Myopia Prevention in Melbourne: Maintaining Good Vision Habits

Genetics is the biggest risk factor when it comes to developing myopia, or short-sighted vision. While there’s not much you can do about that, there’s an increasing body of evidence that certain habits can prevent the development of short-sightedness, especially in children.

NewVision Clinics has extensive experience providing myopia treatment to patients across Melbourne. Here, we look at some of the ways you can prevent and manage the development of myopia in your day-to-day life.

Spend Time Outside

Several studies have indicated that spending more time outdoors can reduce the risk of developing myopia in children. One study by the British Journal of Ophthalmology in April 2021 looked at the amount of light exposure children had, the length of time they spent outside and how frequently they were outside. The more time spent outside, the less likely it was that they would develop short-sighted vision.

These findings were backed up by a study of over 700 Taiwanese school children in August 2018 as well as the ROAM study in Australia, which found that short-sighted vision was generally more common in children who spent less time in outdoor light. For this reason, it’s now recommended that children spend approximately 2 hours outside each day, during daylight hours, to minimise the risk of myopia developing or worsening, and reduce the need for myopia treatment.

Develop Healthy Eye Habits

For children and adults alike, there are several other ways to reduce the likelihood of developing myopia or causing the condition to worsen, including:

  • Decrease or limit screen time
  • Ensure you work, read or study with good lighting
  • Wear sunglasses when outdoors
  • Get regular eye exams
  • Wear prescription or reading glasses if you need them
  • Maintain a healthy diet with plenty of omega-3
  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule, meaning taking a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes.

Myopia Treatment

For patients with short-sightedness who are over 18, myopia treatment can correct the condition. Treatments include laser eye surgery like LASIK and PRK, procedures that use precise lasers to correct the shape of your cornea so light refracts properly into your retina.

Book a Consultation for Myopia Treatment in Melbourne

If you’re looking to correct your short-sightedness, consult the experts at NewVision to see whether laser eye surgery is a good option for you. Call 1800 20 20 20 today or contact us online to arrange a visit to a clinic in Melbourne.