Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the eye’s shape causes light rays to bend incorrectly, focusing images in front of your retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurry distance vision. Although myopia can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, some people prefer to explore natural methods to reduce its progression. Here are eight steps to help you reduce myopia naturally.

1.Eye exercises: Practicing eye exercises daily may help strengthen your eye muscles and improve your focus. One popular exercise is the “20-20-20 rule,” which involves looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Other exercises include palming, where you warm your hands by rubbing them together before placing them over your closed eyes for a few minutes to relax the eye muscles.

2.Proper lighting: Ensure you have sufficient lighting when reading, working on a computer, or doing any task that requires close-up focus. Adequate lighting reduces eye strain and helps prevent myopia progression.

3.Take breaks: Give your eyes a break from focusing on close-up objects for an extended period by taking regular breaks, especially when using electronic devices. Try setting a timer as a reminder to look away and focus on distant objects occasionally.

4.Adjust screen time: Spending too much time staring at screens may contribute to myopia progression. Manage your screen time by limiting how long and how often you are using electronic devices like computers, tablets, smartphones, and televisions.

5.Outdoor activities: Spending more time outdoors may reduce the risk of developing myopia. Engaging in outdoor activities exposes the eyes to natural light and encourages them to focus on faraway objects.

6.Maintain proper distance: Reading or working with screens positioned too close to the eyes may increase myopia risk. Maintain a safe and comfortable distance from screens and books—usually about an arm’s length is a good rule of thumb.

7.Use the correct prescription: Wearing glasses or contact lenses with an outdated or incorrect prescription can strain your eyes, potentially worsening myopia. Schedule regular eye exams to ensure that your prescription remains accurate and up-to-date.

8.Nutritional support: Consuming a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and sources of vitamins A, C, E, and zinc can promote eye health. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining the proper functioning of the eye’s structures and preventing further myopia progression.

In conclusion, although no natural method can guarantee complete reversal or prevention of myopia, these eight steps may help you reduce the progression of nearsightedness. As always, consult with an optometrist or ophthalmologist for personalized advice on managing your eye health.