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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How do I prevent my nearsightedness (myopia) from getting worse?

    Related Topic
    Myopia & Hyperopia (shortsightedness & farsightedness)
    I am 17 years old and noticed that I couldn't read the board in class. I wear glasses now but how can I prevent my eyesight from getting worse? I have friends who need to change their prescription when they get their eyes checked on because their eyesight worsened…
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    • Dom Willson
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    Dom Willson

    Optometrist

    Dom Willson is the founder and co-owner of Custom Eyecare, established in 1999. Dom Willson has over 25 years experience as an optometrist. He has … View Profile

    If you have myopia that is progressing (getting worse) there are a few things you can try to slow down or stop the changes in your vision. Some will be more successful than others - unfortunately there is no perfect, guaranteed solution.

    Make sure you spend regular time outdoors - new research indicates that the bright illumination of the outdoor environment seems to have a protective effect against progressing myopia.

    There is a drug called atropine which can be used in eyedrop form and which is quite successful, but it has fairly significant side effects so in reality it's not actually used too often in Australia.

    Orthokeratology (overnight contact lenses) have shown very promising results in several studies for slowing myopia so this is a great option to consider. Certain types of multifocal soft contact lenses are also being considered but more research is needed.

    In some cases glasses such as bifocals or other types of special reading glasses are thought to slow down myopia, and this may be worth trying although it depends on the individual and there are no guarantees.

    Common sense tells us that using a good light for reading should result in less eye ‘strain’, although this isn't actually scientifically validated to reduce myopic progression. In the same category are tips like taking breaks from reading and not holding the book too close.

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