# How Can You Stop Your Eyesight from Getting Worse?

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/how-to-slow-myopia-progression

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-10-05

> **Summary:** No single habit can completely stop a prescription, especially short-sightedness (myopia), from getting worse, but some measures can help slow it. For children the most important are time outdoors, regular breaks from close-up work and keeping up with eye exams; if a child's myopia is progressing quickly, the ophthalmologist may consider treatments designed to slow it.

## Quick Facts
- **Outdoors (children):** Around 2 hours a day is generally recommended
- **20-20-20 rule:** After every 20 minutes of close-up work, look at something about 6 metres away for 20 seconds
- **Phone and books:** At least 30-40 cm away
- **Myopia usually stabilises:** In the early twenties
- **Laser surgery:** Considered from the age of 18, generally once the prescription has been stable for at least 1 year; it does not stop progression

---

## Why the Prescription Gets Worse
- Progression mostly happens in the school years and adolescence while the eye is still growing. The eyeball is longer than normal from front to back, so images focus in front of the retina; as it keeps lengthening, the prescription rises.
- Myopia is one of the most common vision problems in children and adults.
- **Linked factors:** a short-sighted parent, early onset, long periods of close-up work and little time outdoors. Heavy screen use and fewer outdoor activities are thought to contribute to myopia becoming more common, especially in children.
- High myopia can increase the later risk of conditions such as retinal tears and retinal detachment, so slowing progression in childhood matters for long-term eye health too.

## Until What Age It Progresses
Myopia usually begins in the school years, increases through adolescence and slows and stabilises in the early twenties. When it starts early, it can rise for longer and by more; some people see a slight increase in adulthood. Laser surgery corrects the existing prescription but does not stop progression, so it is considered from the age of 18 and generally after at least 1 year of stability.

## Everyday Measures
These measures support the eyes but do not on their own stop the prescription rising; in children they are a valuable addition to treatment.

### Time Outdoors
Thought to have a protective effect in children, strongest in delaying the onset of myopia; in children who are already short-sighted, the effect on progression is more limited. Daylight and looking into the distance are both thought to play a role. Around 2 hours a day is generally recommended, built up in smaller blocks through school breaks, walks and play. On sunny days, use a hat and suitable sunglasses.

### Screen Time and Distances
The 20-20-20 rule relieves eye strain but is about comfort; it does not stop the prescription rising.
- **Phone and books:** At least 30-40 cm
- **Tablet:** About 40-50 cm
- **Computer:** Slightly below eye level, about an arm's length away, 50-70 cm
- Adjust screen brightness to the surrounding light.

### Workspace
- Good lighting; avoid dim conditions.
- Sit upright with the screen slightly below eye level.
- At least 30 cm between the eyes and a book or notebook.
- A short break looking into the distance about every 30-45 minutes.
- Blinking and keeping the room from getting too dry reduce dry-eye discomfort (for comfort only).

## Advice for Parents
The prescription can rise faster in children than adults, so good habits early and regular eye exams matter.
- Limit close-range screen time and build in breaks; break up homework and reading.
- Make outdoor activities part of the daily routine.
- If a child squints, cannot see the board or holds screens very close, see an eye doctor.
- In children whose prescription is rising quickly, habits complement but do not replace the treatment the doctor recommends.

## Treatments That Slow Progression
They do not cure myopia or reverse the prescription; the aim is a slower rise throughout childhood.

| Treatment | How it works | Things to keep in mind |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Low-dose atropine eye drops | Usually applied every evening before bed | Must be used regularly for years; mild light sensitivity or slight difficulty focusing up close can occur |
| Orthokeratology (night lenses) | Rigid lenses worn overnight temporarily reshape the cornea; during the day the child can usually see without glasses | Lens hygiene must be followed very strictly; poor hygiene increases the risk of eye infection |
| Myopia control spectacle lenses | Specially designed lenses worn as everyday glasses | Need to be worn consistently throughout the day to be effective |
| Myopia control soft contact lenses | Specially designed soft lenses worn during the day | Suitable for children old enough to handle contact lenses; hygiene rules must be followed |

The effect varies between children and none stops progression completely. The ophthalmologist chooses by age, prescription, rate of increase, eye structure and daily routine; sometimes two methods are combined. The prescription and, if needed, eye length are monitored at regular check-ups, and the doctor decides how long treatment continues.

## Diet
Diet does not stop progression, but a healthy diet supports overall eye health. Fish, leafy green vegetables and fruit can be part of a balanced diet; no food or vitamin lowers the prescription.

## How Often to Have an Eye Exam
- **Children:** Usually once a year; every 6 months may be recommended if myopia is progressing or being treated.
- **Adults without symptoms:** Every 2 years until 40, then once a year.
- **Glasses or contact lens wearers:** As your doctor recommends, usually once a year.
- **Lots of close-up work:** More frequent check-ups may be recommended.

---

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Until what age does the prescription keep rising?**
A: Usually through the school years and adolescence, stabilising in the early twenties for most. Early onset can mean a longer rise; some see a slight increase in adulthood.

**Q: Does wearing glasses make eyesight worse?**
A: No. Correct glasses do not worsen eyesight, going without does not improve it, and a weaker prescription than needed does not slow progression. Glasses simply correct the current prescription.

**Q: Can myopia be stopped completely?**
A: No habit or treatment stops it completely; time outdoors together with treatments the doctor considers suitable can help slow it.

**Q: Can vitamins or eye exercises lower the prescription?**
A: No. No vitamin or food stops progression. Eye exercises may relieve strain but do not lower a myopia prescription or stop it rising.

**Q: Do phones and tablets make the prescription worse?**
A: Long close-up work, including screens, is associated with the onset and progression of myopia, but it is not yet clear how much screens alone contribute. Take breaks and do not hold screens too close.

**Q: Does laser eye surgery stop myopia from progressing?**
A: No; it corrects the existing prescription. It is considered from the age of 18 and generally once the prescription has been stable for at least 1 year.

---

## References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO): Patient information on myopia and myopia control in children
- National Eye Institute (NEI): Nearsightedness (Myopia)
- World Health Organization (WHO): World Report on Vision
- International Myopia Institute (IMI): Reports on myopia control