5. Tips for Parents: Preventing Myopia Progression in Children

Introduction

With the rise of myopia among children, it's essential for parents to adopt strategies to prevent its progression. Here are some practical tips to help manage your child's eye health.

Encourage Outdoor Activities

Spending more time outdoors has been shown to reduce the risk of myopia progression. Encourage your child to play outside for at least one to two hours a day. Outdoor activities provide natural light, which is beneficial for eye health.

Limit Near Vision Tasks - Not just screen time!

Excessive time spent on near tasks such as screen time, excessive reading is a significant factor in myopia progression. Implement guidelines to manage your child's time on near tasks:

• Set Time Limits: Limit near vision tasks to a reasonable duration each day.
  
• Take Breaks: Encourage the 30-30-30 rule—every 30 minutes, take a 30-second break and look at something 30+ meters away.
  
• Proper Ergonomics: Ensure screens, books etc are at a comfortable distance.
  

Healthy Eye Habits

Promote good eye habits to protect your child's vision:

• Proper Lighting: Ensure your child reads and does homework in well-lit areas to reduce eye strain.
• Balanced Diet: A diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, along with omega-3 fatty acids, supports eye health.
• Regular Eye Exams: Schedule annual eye exams to monitor your child's vision and adjust their prescription as needed.
  

Myopia Management Options

Consider advanced myopia management options for more effective control:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Overnight lenses that reshape the cornea and provide clear daytime vision.
• MiSight Soft Lenses: Daily disposable lenses designed to slow myopia progression.
• Myosmart and Stellest Lenses: Spectacle lenses that control myopia progression while correcting vision.

Conclusion

Preventing myopia progression in children requires a combination of healthy habits, regular eye exams, and advanced treatment options. By adopting these strategies, you can help safeguard your child's vision and overall eye health. Contact us today to learn more about myopia management and schedule an appointment.