Myopia is one of the main reasons people start wearing glasses when they are young. Far objects are blurry, and close-up objects are clear when you are nearsighted or myopic. Did you know that lifestyle and daily habits can have a big impact on the development of myopia? Reducing the risk of myopia in children and teens is essential because this eye condition can lead to more serious eye problems. For example, it increases the risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. Myopia can also strike adults. Avoiding corrective lenses entirely should be enough motivation to head off the problem. What can you do to help yourself and your family?
What Is Myopia?
The commonly accepted understanding is that myopia develops due to either an overly curved cornea or an eyeball that is longer than usual. The severity of nearsightedness can differ significantly, along with variations in the age when it begins and how quickly it advances.
In a normally shaped eyeball, incoming light focuses precisely on the retina. However, if the eyeball is excessively elongated, light focuses in front of the retina, leading to myopia (nearsightedness) and blurred distant vision. Conversely, if the eyeball is too short, light focuses behind the retina, resulting in hyperopia (farsightedness) and difficulty seeing nearby objects.
Myopia commonly emerges during school years1 and typically stabilizes during adolescence. The extensive use of computers has exacerbated this issue. In the 1980s, prior to the prevalence of computer usage, only 2% of Dutch army recruits from farming backgrounds experienced myopia, while 32% of those with higher education levels were nearsighted.
Currently, in certain urban areas of Asia, the prevalence is approaching 90%.2 One-third of the global population is affected by myopia, and by 2050, half of the world’s population is projected to have myopia. If current trends persist, up to one-fifth of these individuals will face a significantly elevated risk of blindness.
Causes of Nearsightedness
The surge in myopia rates is largely influenced by factors beyond genetics. These factors encompass:
- Extended periods of close-range tasks such as computer and cell phone usage, including excessive gaming.
- Decreased outdoor activities, reducing exposure to natural light (e.g., sunlight), crucial for triggering retinal dopamine release, which aids in maintaining clear retinal images.
- Other potential contributors may involve inadequate sleep and nutrition, leading to nutritional deficiencies, smoking habits, and socio-economic circumstances.3
- Researchers investigating tear trace minerals noted reduced copper levels among individuals with progressive myopia, along with altered zinc-to-iron ratios, indicating potential metabolic disruptions in connective tissue.4
Myopia Increases the Risk of Other Eye Conditions
Individuals with nearsightedness face an elevated risk of various vision disorders, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. Oxidative stress is believed to play a role in explaining the alterations in the eye that heighten this risk. This stress, stemming from damage due to inadequate oxygen supply, disrupts the regulation of neural signaling. Free radicals inflict damage on the retina, vitreous, and lens, thereby increasing the risk of retinal, vitreous, and lens complications.5
What Reduces the Risk of Myopia?
Eye Exercises
Eye exercises that involve self-massage of acupoints seem to be more effective in reducing myopia6 than in enhancing near vision.
These exercises appear to improve accuracy and letter recognition, though not the speed of letter discernment.7
In one study, there was no overall reduction in myopia risk among schoolchildren, but those who engaged in “high-quality” eye exercises experienced slightly slower myopia progression. Eye exercises might also play a role in addressing muscle weakness in facial nerves. In a study of patients with unknown causes of facial nerve impairment, 68% experienced improvement compared to those who did not perform eye exercises.8
Controlled trials indicate that eye exercises may be beneficial for convergence insufficiency and potentially for 3D vision and visual field issues following brain damage.9 However, due to small sample sizes and other factors, more research is warranted.
Nonetheless, we believe that eye exercises are a valuable aspect of a healthy vision regimen because they enhance microcirculation, stimulate acupressure points, and promote relaxation. Download our free eye exercise e-booklet. Our e-book includes easy eye exercises, and tips on massaging acupressure points around the eyes.
Magic Eye
Magic Eye 3D images are produced through computer-generated images consisting of randomly positioned dots, designed to explore depth perception. These images offer various benefits:
- Enhance the flexibility of eye focusing, peripheral, and distance vision.
- Alleviate strain associated with prolonged computer usage.
- Improve the ability to recall printed information.
- Enhance depth perception and aid in stress relief.
- Assist in integrating physical, mental, and spiritual energies.
If you would like to order Magic Eye books, visit the MagicEye.com website.
Chinese Medicine and Risk of Myopia
From the perspective of Chinese medicine, a common pattern associated with myopia and other eye-related issues is known as “Liver Yin Deficiency.” Key ocular symptoms may include myopia, astigmatism, AMD, retinitis pigmentosa, presbyopia, dry eyes, floaters, glaucoma, Stargardt’s, cataracts, red and dry eyes, bloodshot eyes, poor night vision, as well as additional symptoms such as dry skin and constipation. The treatment approach involves nourishing Liver Yin and Blood, as deficiency in Liver Yin may impede the nourishment and circulation of blood to the eyes.
Refer below to explore our Revision (wild-crafted) Herbal formula, which supports the Liver meridian to promote healthy circulation and energy flow in the eyes and throughout the body.
Suggested Supplements
Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula (whole food) 60 vcaps
Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Retinal Support and Computer Eye Strain Formula with Astaxanthin 90 vcaps
Dr. Grossman’s Advanced Eye and Dr. G’s Whole Food Superfood Multi1 20 Vcap Combo – 2 months supply
ReVision Formula (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 oz – based on classic Chinese medicine, the liver tonic formula helps support healthy circulation and blood flow throughout the eyes and body.
Retinal Support (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 oz – helps nourish the blood in the eyes and body, reduces inflammation and supports overall energy.
Vitamin C Premier 60 caps – whole food vitamin C formula.
Molecular H2 60 tablets – Mix with non-carbonated water to make Molecular Hydrogen. Enhances antioxidant activity and maintains redox balance.
NMN Wonderfeel Youngr™ 60 vegcaps – “A patented anti-aging solution employs a multi-faceted strategy to protect and decelerate biological aging on a cellular level.”
Recommended Books
Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision and Healing
- Grosvenor, T. (1987). A review and a suggested classification system for myopia on the basis of age-related prevalence and age of onset. Am J Optom Physiol Opt, Jul:64(7):545-54 ↩
- O’Brian, G. (2018). Myopia is on the Rise and Screens May Be to Blame. Retrieved May 10, 2018 from http://businesswest.com/blog/myopia-is-on-the-rise-andp-screens-may-be-to-blame. ↩
- Sayantan Biswas, Antonio El Kareh, Mariyem Qureshi, et al. The influence of the environment and lifestyle on myopia. J Physiol Anthropol. 2024 Jan 31;43(1):7. ↩
- Vinetskaia, M.I., Iomdina, E.N, (1994), Study of lacrimal fluid trace elements in several eye diseases. Veson Ofthelmol, Oct-Dec;110(4):24-6 ↩
- Francisco BM, Salvador M, Amparo N. Oxidative stress in myopia. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2015;2015:750637. doi: 10.1155/2015/750637. Epub 2015 Apr 1. PMID: 25922643; PMCID: PMC4397465. ↩
- Lin, Z, Vasudevan, B., Fang, S.J., Jhapji., Mao, G.Y., et al. (2016). Eye exercises of acupoints: their impact on myopia and visual symptoms in Chinese rural children. BMC Complement Altern Med, Sept 6;16:349 ↩
- Di Noto, P., Uta, S., DeSouza, J.F. (2013). Eye exercises enhance accuracy and letter recognition, but not reaction time, in a modified rapid serial visual presentation task. PLoS One, 2013;8(3):359244 ↩
- Rodriquez, S.L. Hopman, W.M., ten Hove, M.W. (2012). Eye exercises for treatment of idiopathic cranial nerve VII paresis: pilot study. Can J Sci, Mar;39(2):196-201 ↩
- Rawston, J.A., Burley, C.D., Elder, M.J., (2005). A systematic review of the applicability and efficacy of eye exercises. J Pediartr Ophthalmol Strabismus, Mar-Apr;42(2):82-8 ↩