Have you ever found yourself squinting to read a street sign or noticed that the TV seems a bit fuzzy from across the room? These moments can make you wonder if your vision is changing, especially if you already wear glasses for nearsightedness. It’s a common question we hear—does myopia just keep getting worse as you get older?
For many people, nearsightedness progresses during childhood and the teen years, then stabilizes in early adulthood. While the myopia itself often doesn’t worsen later in life, other age-related vision changes can occur that affect how you see.
What Is Myopia/Nearsightedness?
Myopia, often called nearsightedness, is a common eye condition that makes distant objects appear blurry while things up close stay clear. This happens when the shape of your eye causes light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Signs You Might Have Myopia
- Trouble reading road signs or seeing a presentation screen clearly
- Squinting to see things far away
- Headaches that feel like they come from digital eye strain
- Feeling like your eyes are tired after a long day
Why Myopia Develops & Progresses
A few different factors contribute to the development of myopia.
Common Risk Factors
Your family history plays a big role—if your parents have myopia, there’s a greater chance you might develop it, too. Activities that require a lot of close-up focus, like hours of reading or working on a computer, can also be a contributing factor.
The Role of Screen Time & Outdoor Time
Spending a lot of time looking at digital screens can certainly put a strain on your eyes. On the flip side, evidence suggests that getting outdoors in natural light may help slow down how fast myopia progresses.
How Nearsightedness Changes Through Life
Myopia doesn’t develop at the same rate for everyone or at every age. It typically follows a pattern from childhood into the adult years.
Childhood & The Teen Years
Nearsightedness is often first spotted between the ages of 8 and 12. During these big growth years, the eyes can change shape quickly. This means prescriptions may need to be updated more frequently to keep vision clear, which is why regular children’s eye exams are so important.
Myopia in Your 20s & 30s
For many folks, myopia tends to stabilize in their early 20s once their eyes are done growing. Your prescription might stay the same for many years during this stage of life. This can be a welcome change after frequent vision changes in the teen years!
Vision Changes After Age 40
While myopia itself doesn’t usually progress much after it stabilizes, other vision changes may develop as people age. One common age-related condition is presbyopia, which makes it harder to see things up close. However, presbyopia is different from myopia and requires a different type of vision correction.
Options for Vision Correction & Myopia Management
While we can’t reverse myopia, we can correct it in adults and manage its progression in children.
We can also help manage how it progresses, particularly in children.
Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses
The most common and straightforward way to correct blurry distance vision is with eyeglasses or contact lenses, which correct how light is focused by your eye. With so many styles available, they’re a great way to express your personality!
Myopia Control for Children
For kids and teens whose eyes are still changing, we can explore targeted treatments to help slow down how quickly myopia progresses. Options like myopia control lenses—including ortho-k or multifocal lenses—are designed specifically for this purpose. It’s all about giving them the support they need as they grow.
Refractive Surgery
Procedures like LASIK can reshape the cornea to correct nearsightedness. This can be a great option for some adults once their prescription is stable. A thorough consultation can help determine if it’s a suitable path for you.
The Importance of Regular Eye Exams
Routine eye exams are key to keeping your prescription up-to-date and monitoring your overall eye health. We believe in providing quality eye care with a personal touch, so we try to take the time to understand your needs. An exam gives us a clear picture of how to best support your vision.
Why Annual Check-Ups Matter
A comprehensive eye exam allows us to detect any changes in your vision early on. It’s a simple but important part of your family’s health care routine. Think of it as a wellness check for your eyes!
Find an Eye Doctor in Fontana
If you or your child have concerns about nearsightedness, an eye doctor in Fontana can provide a complete examination. We can talk through all your options in a friendly, no-pressure environment. We’re here to help you make the most of your vision.
We Also Serve Rancho Cucamonga & Upland
Our personalized care extends to families in our neighboring communities. We welcome you to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor in Fontana, eye doctor in Rancho Cucamonga or an eye doctor in Upland. We look forward to seeing you!
Your vision journey is unique, and understanding how myopia changes can help you feel prepared. At Fontana Optometric Group, we’re happy to answer your questions and find a solution that fits your life. Give our office a call to schedule your family’s next eye exams!