Lifestyle Changes That Support Myopia Management: Outdoor Time, Screen Breaks & More

As digital device use increases, more young people are developing myopia at earlier ages. While genetics play a role, certain lifestyle habits can influence how quickly myopia progresses. By making thoughtful daily changes, families can support healthier vision and complement more advanced treatment options.
 

Understanding Myopia

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. It occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia often begins in childhood and tends to progress over time, especially without proper intervention. Left unmanaged, it can increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
 

Prioritize Outdoor Time

Spending more time outdoors is one of the most effective lifestyle habits for slowing myopia progression in children. Studies suggest that 2 hours of outdoor time per day can help reduce the risk of developing myopia or slow its worsening. Natural light exposure and looking at distant objects allow the eyes to relax, which is especially important after extended periods of near work like reading or using screens.
 

Take Regular Screen Breaks

Digital devices are a daily part of life, but they also contribute to visual strain and fatigue. The 20-20-20 rule is a simple yet powerful guideline: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet away. This gives your eyes a chance to refocus and reduces the constant near focus that can contribute to myopia progression.
 

Ensure Proper Lighting & Ergonomics

Whether reading a book or working on a tablet, adequate lighting helps prevent eye strain. Avoid reading in dim light and ensure screens are positioned at eye level and a comfortable viewing distance. These minor adjustments can minimize stress on the visual system throughout the day.
 

Effective Myopia Control Beyond Healthy Habits

While these daily habits support overall eye health, they may not be enough to stop myopia from progressing in some individuals. At Downtown Vision, we offer clinically proven solutions to control myopia and protect long-term vision.

MiSight® 1-day contact lenses are FDA-approved soft lenses specifically designed to slow the progression of myopia in children. Worn during the day and discarded at night, these lenses provide clear vision while also reshaping the way light enters the eye, helping to manage elongation of the eyeball.

Low-dose atropine eye drops are another evidence-based option for slowing myopia progression, especially in children. These drops are typically applied nightly and have been shown to reduce the rate of myopic progression with minimal side effects. They’re often recommended as part of a combined treatment approach.

Ortho-K lenses are specially designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight. They gently reshape the cornea while you sleep, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. More importantly, Ortho-K has been shown to slow the progression of myopia by controlling eye growth.
 

Take a Proactive Approach to Your Child’s Eye Health

At Downtown Vision, we believe in a comprehensive approach to myopia management. Lifestyle habits like outdoor time and screen breaks make a meaningful difference, but combining them with proven treatments like MiSight lenses, atropine drops, or Ortho-K offers the best results in protecting your child’s vision.

Schedule a myopia consultation at Downtown Vision to learn which option is best for your family. Visit our office in Reno or Carson City, Nevada. Please call (775) 322-4061 or (775) 883-3977 to book an appointment today.