Myopia Management: How Specific Lifestyle Adjustments Can Help Prevent Myopia from Worsening

In Everett, Washington, where families enjoy a mix of city life and outdoor adventures, many parents are concerned about how screen time and indoor activities might be affecting their child’s vision. While genetics play a role in myopia, lifestyle choices can also have a significant impact on its progression.

At Silver Lake Eye Care Center, we know that myopia isn’t just about needing stronger glasses every year—it’s about protecting long-term eye health. Unmanaged myopia can lead to more severe vision issues in adulthood, including a higher risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration. The good news? There are steps you can take to slow myopia progression and help your child maintain healthy vision.
 

The Role of Outdoor Time in Myopia Prevention

One of the most effective ways to slow the progression of myopia is increasing time spent outdoors. Studies show that children who spend at least 90 minutes outside daily have a lower risk of myopia worsening. Natural sunlight helps regulate eye growth, which can prevent the elongation of the eye that leads to worsening myopia.
 

For parents in Everett, this could mean planning weekend hikes in the Cascade Mountains, visiting local parks, or even encouraging backyard playtime. The key is consistent exposure to natural light, even on cloudy Pacific Northwest days.
 

Reducing Screen Time & Near Work

The amount of time kids spend on screens—whether for school, gaming, or social media—has skyrocketed. Excessive near work, including reading and using digital devices, can strain young eyes and contribute to the progression of myopia.
 

Consider the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, encourage your child to take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This small habit can reduce eye strain and give their eyes a necessary break from prolonged focus on close-up objects. Setting screen time limits and incorporating more interactive, non-digital activities can also make a difference.
 

Proper Lighting & Ergonomics

Reading in dim lighting or holding screens too close to the eyes can contribute to eye fatigue and possibly accelerate myopia. Make sure your child’s study area is well-lit, and encourage them to maintain a proper reading distance—about 16 inches for books and 20 inches for screens. Adjusting screen brightness and contrast settings can also reduce strain.
 

Specialized Myopia Management Options

In addition to lifestyle adjustments, professional myopia management treatments can help slow progression. At Silver Lake Eye Care Center, we offer:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) – Special overnight lenses that gently reshape the cornea, providing clear daytime vision while slowing myopia progression.

• Atropine Eye Drops – A low-dose medication that can help slow down the eye’s elongation, reducing the risk of high myopia.

• Multifocal Contact Lenses – Daily disposable lenses designed specifically for myopia control in children.
   

Every child’s vision needs are unique, and our optometrists work with families to create a personalized myopia management plan that fits their lifestyle and vision goals.
 

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam with Silver Lake Eye Care Center Today

Myopia isn’t just about seeing clearly today—it’s about protecting your child’s long-term eye health. The earlier we intervene, the better the chances of reducing future risks associated with high myopia. By combining lifestyle adjustments with specialized treatments, parents can take an active role in preserving their child’s vision for years to come.
 

At Silver Lake Eye Care Center, we’re dedicated to helping Everett families find effective solutions to slow myopia progression. Schedule your child’s eye exam, and let’s create a plan to support your child’s lifelong eye health. Contact our office in Everett, Washington, by calling (425) 338-5400 today.