Myopia > Prevention of myopia

Parents can feel that it is their child have myopia (nearsightedness), and feel guilty. Most of the claims of cures and treatment for myopia have not been tested. Currently, there is no way of myopia prevention. There are no current study results that change the way nearsightedness is treated. No special diet or exercises are known to prevent or cure myopia.

Some eye researchers feel that constant near work might make myopia (shortsightedness) worse. In children, this can be reading a book very close to the face for a long period of time, using the computer and/or playing video games for an extended period, or watching television. Sometimes, adults have jobs that require long periods of visual near work. You should take “breaks” from your near work, by looking up and around frequently, at objects at varying distances.

Discuss your feeling about your child's vision problem with your pediatrician or ophthalmologist.