You may notice your vision changing as you get older. For people with myopia, or nearsightedness, it’s common to question whether the condition will progress over time and what you can do to manage myopia effectively.
Myopia often progresses during childhood and stabilizes in early adulthood, but other age-related vision changes can still occur later in life. Understanding this timeline can help you prepare for what to expect from your vision. Regular comprehensive eye exams are a key part of monitoring these changes.
What Is Myopia or Nearsightedness?
Myopia is a common vision condition that makes distant objects appear blurry while close-up objects remain clear. This happens when the shape of your eye causes light to focus in front of the retina (a tissue at the back of your eye that sends light signals to the brain) instead of directly on it.
Myopia is a type of refractive error, and it affects a large percentage of the population.
Signs & Symptoms of Myopia
The main sign of myopia is difficulty seeing objects that are far away. Common situations where myopia makes itself known include:
- Reading street signs or the whiteboard in a meeting
- Perceiving distant objects or faces clearly
- Squinting to see the TV or a movie screen
- Needing to hold books, tablets, or your phone close to your face to read
Can Myopia Cause Headaches?
Yes, the constant eye strain from trying to focus on distant objects can lead to frequent headaches. You might also feel that your eyes are tired or fatigued, especially after a long day. This discomfort happens because your eye muscles are working overtime to try to see clearly.
Why Myopia Develops & Progresses
Several factors can contribute to why a person develops myopia and why it might change over time.
Genetics & Family History
Myopia often runs in families. If one or both of your parents are nearsighted, you have a greater chance of developing the condition yourself. This genetic link is a good predictor of who might need vision correction.
Near Work & Screen Time
Spending a lot of time on close-up tasks like reading or using a computer is connected to myopia progression, particularly in children and young adults.
Lack of Outdoor Time
Research suggests that time spent outdoors, especially in natural daylight, can help slow the progression of myopia. Conversely, children who spend more time inside may have a higher risk of their nearsightedness getting worse over time. This makes outdoor play an important part of eye health.
How Myopia Changes Over Time
Myopia isn’t a static condition. Rather, it tends to follow a general pattern of change from childhood to adulthood. These shifts are a normal part of how your eyes grow and age.
At What Age Does Myopia Progress The Most?
Myopia is often first diagnosed in children between the ages of 8 and 12. It typically progresses most rapidly during the school years and into the teenage years. This is a period when the eyes are still growing and changing quickly.
When Does Myopia Usually Stabilize?
For most people, myopia progression slows down and stabilizes sometime in the 20s. Once your eyes stop growing, your prescription is less likely to change significantly from year to year. Your vision typically remains fairly consistent through early and middle adulthood.
What Happens to Myopia After 40?
While your nearsightedness may be stable, other age-related vision changes can occur after you turn 40. For instance, you may develop presbyopia—a separate condition that makes it harder to see things up close. This is why some people who are nearsighted may eventually need bifocal or progressive lenses.
Myopia Management & Correction Options
While myopia cannot be cured, you can take simple steps to manage the condition and support your eye health. Regular exams with your optometrist can help you stay on top of any vision changes. Your optometrist can discuss options that fit your lifestyle and visual needs.
Lifestyle Tips For Eye Health
To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet away. Also, try to spend more time outdoors in natural light, as this can be helpful for slowing myopia progression in children.
Corrective Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses
Corrective eyeglasses and contact lenses are a straightforward and popular way to correct nearsightedness. Both work by refocusing light correctly onto your retina.
For children, glasses and contact lenses designed for myopia control may slow down progression of the condition. Talk with your eye doctor to learn about what might work for your child.
For adults whose prescriptions have stabilized, refractive surgery like LASIK is another possibility for vision correction.
Keep Your Vision Clear
Your vision needs are unique, and they will no doubt change throughout your life. That’s why, at The Eye Avenue, we’re focused on building strong, long-lasting relationships. If you have questions about myopia or are ready to schedule an exam, contact us today.
