Why Is My Myopia Still Increasing Despite Good Habits?

The degree of myopia has been continuously increasing?

Hello Doctor, I have high myopia, with one eye at -7.25 and the other at -7.50.
For the past two years, I haven't been paying much attention to my eyes and often looked at my phone in the dark, which caused my prescription to spike to -7.00 last year.
Since then, I've been vigilant and have changed many of my bad habits, especially recently when I've only had time to use electronic devices at night due to work.
However, my prescription has still increased by 0.25 diopters.
The optician mentioned that at my age, my prescription should have stabilized, but it continues to rise, and I'm worried that it might exceed -10.
Recently, I've been wearing contact lenses for up to 12 hours a day for work, which is much longer than before, and I also have astigmatism, with one eye at -0.50 and the other at -1.00.
Could this be the reason? I often experience dryness and discomfort in my eyes by the end of the day.
Thank you, Doctor, for your help.
I've been really worried about my prescription this year and am afraid it will keep increasing.

Weng Xiaojie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/25

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology

Hello, the prescription has increased by 25 degrees, which may still be within the margin of error.
However, it is important to let your eyes rest more and to have regular check-ups.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cai Wenyuan, Director of Ophthalmology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2018/07/25

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding your worsening myopia despite your efforts to adopt better habits. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common refractive error that can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, environmental conditions, and lifestyle choices. Given your situation, let's explore some potential reasons for the continued progression of your myopia and discuss strategies that may help.

1. Genetic Predisposition: One of the most significant factors contributing to myopia is genetics. If you have a family history of myopia, it is possible that your eyes are predisposed to developing higher degrees of nearsightedness. This genetic component can sometimes override environmental factors, making it challenging to control the progression of myopia.

2. Environmental Factors: While you mentioned that you have made efforts to reduce bad habits, such as using your phone in the dark, other environmental factors may still be at play. Prolonged near work, such as reading or using digital devices, can contribute to eye strain and may exacerbate myopia. Even with good habits, if you are spending significant time on close-up tasks, it can lead to further progression.

3. Extended Use of Contact Lenses: Wearing contact lenses for extended periods, especially for 12 hours a day, can lead to discomfort and dryness, as you noted. This discomfort may cause you to squint or strain your eyes, which can contribute to worsening vision. It is essential to follow the recommended wearing schedule for your contact lenses and to give your eyes regular breaks. Consider using lubricating eye drops to alleviate dryness.

4. Lack of Outdoor Time: Research has shown that spending time outdoors can help slow the progression of myopia in children and young adults. Natural light exposure is believed to play a role in eye health. If your lifestyle limits your outdoor activities, this could be a contributing factor to the worsening of your myopia.

5. Eye Health Monitoring: Regular eye examinations are crucial for monitoring the health of your eyes and the progression of myopia. If you haven't done so recently, consider scheduling an appointment with an eye care professional to discuss your concerns. They can provide personalized recommendations and may suggest interventions such as orthokeratology (corneal reshaping) or myopia control lenses.

6. Potential Underlying Conditions: In some cases, other underlying conditions, such as astigmatism (which you mentioned having), can complicate vision issues. Astigmatism can cause blurred vision and may require specific corrective lenses. It is essential to ensure that your prescription is up to date and accurately addresses both myopia and astigmatism.

7. Lifestyle Adjustments: Continue to practice good eye hygiene, such as taking regular breaks during prolonged screen time (the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), maintaining proper lighting while reading or working, and ensuring that your workspace is ergonomically set up to reduce strain on your eyes.

In summary, while you have made commendable efforts to improve your habits, the progression of myopia can be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is essential to continue monitoring your eye health and to consult with an eye care professional for tailored advice. They can help you explore additional options to manage your myopia effectively.

Take care of your eyes, and I wish you the best in your journey toward better vision.

Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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