A common condition of the eye in which you can see nearer objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurred to you, is known as near-sightedness or myopia.
What Are The Ways To Prevent Near-Sightedness?
Researchers and scientists believe that if we can reduce the progression of near-sightedness by approximately 50 % then the complications arising due to progressive near-sightedness can be considerably reduced. Also, it would be even better if we could stop any progression at all. But, the possible ways of reduction of progression are only effective for about 45 to 50 %.(1). All the same, let us have a look at the possible methods of prevention of near-sightedness-
Correction Of Vision-
The fact that a child has to wear eyeglasses is of quite a concern to many parents. They believe that if their child starts putting on eyeglasses and continues to wear for a long time, he will get dependent on the glasses and it will increase the problem
However, it can be proven that not using the corrective lenses can actually further damage the child’s eyes and can cause even more near-sightedness
Also, earlier, under-correction of the refractive error was practiced so that there is a reduction in the progression of the condition. However, according to recent studies, under-correction causes even more rate of progression of near-sightedness
Play Time-
Researches show that the more time a child spends outdoors, the less is his chances of starting off near-sightedness. Or, it at least delays the onset of near-sightedness to a large extent
According to experts, children should spend at least 120 minutes of time every day outside and by outside, it means that they should spend time outdoors as well as away from gadgets, electronics, mobile games, and even reading and writing. Spending time outside but all the time being gelled to the mobile screen is going to serve no purpose!
Spending significant time outside has its own array of benefits, including a reduction in obesity, getting vitamin d, socializing etc. all these are associated with near-sightedness in a close fashion
Some experts also relate it to the sunrays doing good to our body
Atropine-
A 0.1 solution of atropine has shown a significant effect on reducing the progression of near-sightedness., according to many studies. The rate of success is quite high with atropine
However, atropine does not affect the rate of increase in the eyeball length.
Orthokeratology-
Orthokeratology is a way of gently molding and shaping the cornea
This is obtained by means of rigid, gas permeable lenses, that are to be fit and kept overnight
With this method, you have to use the corrective lenses through the night, but you do not need to wear them throughout the next day. The effect lasts for the whole of the next day, boosting the confidence especially in a child.
Contact Lenses-
It has been observed that those wearing multifocal lenses experience a slow rate of progression of near-sightedness
The reason might be similar to the mechanism of orthokeratology.
Does Near- Sightedness Reoccur After Laser Treatment?
Laser treatment like LASIK usually shows permanent results. In a few cases, however, some degree of near-sightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism can return after some time. The reason for these changes that may occur in the lens inside the eye. These changes may happen with or without laser surgery. In such cases, a follow-up treatment by the name LASIK enhancement is generally done to reinstate clear vision(2)
Conclusion
While near-sightedness cannot exactly be prevented, its onset can surely be delayed by following a few measures. Laser treatment usually provides a permanent solution for near-sightedness however, the problem may recur if there are any changes to the lens in your eyes, with or without laser treatment.
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