Myopia is one of the most common eye conditions in kids. It can start as early as three years old. As they grow up, their condition can progress, leading to progressively blurrier vision over time. Myopia can make it challenging to participate in various academic and extracurricular activities. It can also lead to eyestrain, headaches, and other issues.
Are you or a loved one nearsighted? If so, you are probably wondering whether the condition worsens or improves with age. It would help to learn more about nearsightedness and its trajectory throughout one’s lifetime.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive error that makes it difficult to focus on distant objects. You can see nearby things clearly, while those in the distance appear out of focus.
Myopia arises when the eye’s cornea is too curved or the eyeball is too long. Consequently, light does not focus directly on the retina. Instead, it focuses in front of the photosensitive retina. Your eyesight relies on light reflecting onto your cornea and hitting a precise spot on your retina. So, any distortions in your eyeball or cornea can cause vision problems.
Eye doctors typically diagnose this condition between the ages of eight and twelve. Most people require newer prescription changes about the age of 20 when their eyes begin to stop growing. By the late 20s, most people do not experience myopia progression. However, their diagnosis will usually remain with them their whole life.
It is rare for nearsightedness to worsen as you age past the early 20s, but exceptions exist. It can happen due to continued elongation of the eyeball or visual stress related to environmental or work factors. Most people diagnosed with myopia in childhood should expect their condition to stabilize as adults.
People often develop nearsightedness during childhood. Studies suggest that the earlier it develops, the worse it will get later in life. Experts suggest that lifestyle and genetic factors may affect the progression rate in kids. These include:
Time spent doing near work
Time spent outdoors versus indoors
Time spent studying
Time spent staring at digital screens
Myopia typically stabilizes in early adulthood. Do not confuse this with your condition improving as you age. The stabilization is likely due to a halt in your eye’s growth.
Some nearsighted people notice vision changes after age 40, but these changes are usually not for the better. According to research, vision changes for older nearsighted patients tend to worsen.
There are documented cases of vision improvement after the age of 40 or 50. However, that usually has more to do with the onset of presbyopia or the development of cataracts than myopia lessening. So, it would be best if you did not risk your eyesight in the hope that your condition will improve as you age. It is best to consult your eye doctor about your correction options.
There is no cure for myopia. However, there are several options available for correcting nearsightedness. These include prescription contact lenses, eyeglasses, and laser eye surgery. Schedule your next eye exam to ensure that your condition is not worsening.
For more on myopia, visit Bright Vision Family Eyecare at our Flushing, New York office. Call (929) 666-5048 to schedule an appointment today.
