Myopia (nearsightedness) is a common problem in kids. And myopia is becoming an epidemic given the increase in screen use and online learning we have experienced over the last year.

“A lot of parents ask us if there is something they can do at home to help reduce myopia progression in their child. What I like to say to them is that there are many factors to why a child experiences myopia progression or nearsightedness to increase, hereditary and genetics is the number 1 reason. It’s in their genes. The 2nd factor is increase in device use, screen time, near work and a lack of outdoor play.”, says, Dr. Shefali Miglani, Optometrist and Chief Medical Officer of Hoot Myopia Care.com.

So what is a parent to do?

First, seek out a good Optometrist to get appropriate medical advice. It’s important to put everything into context.

Second, what we say here is to look at these tips below as tips. Not medical advice.

Here are a couple of things that parents can do at home to help manage myopia in their child. Recognizing that there are no cures and there is no way to reverse myopia, these tips may help parents take back control and feel as though they can help.

The following are some natural and simple tips that can help improve myopia in children.

Consuming Vitamins and Minerals

While taking vitamins is never a guarantee, they can play a role in maintaining healthy vision for children.

Mineral Zinc and Vitamin A, C, and E contain antioxidant properties. Foods that are rich in these nutrients include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, such as:

• Citrus
• Strawberries
• Sweet potato
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Red peppers

Besides that, foods that have a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseeds and salmon, can also help to maintain good eye health.

Perform Physical Exercises – Outside

Children may not follow this advice regularly, but physical activities especially outside can have positive effects on our bodies, including our eyes. It is also the best way to prevent health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes that is the most common cause of developing eye problems.

Physical activities also help your body to circulate oxygen and blood, which improve eye health. You don’t need to get your children to do strenuous activities. Just regular walking and involvement in outdoor games can have a significant impact.

Outdoor activities such as walking in the park or playing catch are some simple ways to help improve the chances of a good myopia management program working.

Here is a video of an exercise that you can do with your child.

Having Good Night’s Sleep

Not only adults but children also need a good night’s sleep to help their bodies relax. Moreover, school-going children need around 9 to 11 hours of sleep to live a healthy life. If your child is younger, they need even more sleep.

Adequate sleep can reduce tired eyes and also reduce stress that many children have these days.

Practice Eye Exercises

Doctors also recommend parents do some exercise with children who have myopia. These exercises aim to promote circulation and relieve eye strain. In case fluid accumulates under the retina due to stress, it may lead to more problems.

Ask your child’s Optometrist to recommend the best exercises depending on your child’s age and myopia.

Use Corrective Lenses (as needed)

Children often find it difficult to communicate their issues. Most often, they don’t even know if there are any problems with their corrective lenses. As a parent, it is important for you to notice the behavior of your child to know whether their corrective lenses are the correct prescription strength.

If you have any concerns, take your child to your Optometrist. They will conduct an eye exam to prescribe the right lenses for your child. Also, note that inaccurate corrective lenses can cause further eye problems.

In fact, here is a video explaining that with children who have myopia, why getting new glasses are not the solution.

Play outside

Playing outdoors will help your child’s vision because they are not focusing too much on only near work but also are forced to look far.

Bottom Line

Besides the above-mentioned tips, you also need to limit their screen time and encourage outdoor activities. Go for regular eye checkups to prevent or improve your child’s myopia. Make sure to consult the Optometrist if you notice any symptoms of myopia in your children such as squinting while watching TV or blurriness while trying to see distance.

Here is a link to help you find myopia management doctors near your area.

Sources

https://www.nvisioncenters.com/improve-eyesight/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nearsightedness/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375561

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-improve-eyesight#vitamins-and-minerals

https://www.drsamberne.com/improve-nearsightedness-naturally/