In today’s digital age, where screens dominate nearly every aspect of daily life, the prevalence of myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, has risen dramatically. In fact, some experts are now referring to this surge as a growing epidemic, particularly among younger generations who spend prolonged hours on digital devices.

Dr. Audrey Raley, founder of Refined Eye Care, emphasizes the critical importance of early detection and intervention, noting that without proper management, myopia can progress and lead to serious long-term complications.

Understanding myopia

Myopia is the ophthalmological term for nearsightedness, which is the inability to see far away clearly. Patients with myopia struggle with tasks such as driving or watching TV.

The condition occurs due to an elongation of the eye, which puts strain on the retinal tissue and optic nerve.

“Our eyes should be round, but in myopia, they stretch abnormally,” Dr. Raley said. “This elongation increases the risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma and macular degeneration—each of which can lead to permanent vision loss.”

Because the retina lacks pain receptors, people often don’t realize or feel their condition is worsening. This is why routine eye exams are critical, particularly for children whose eyes are still developing, and who are unable to articulate any vision problems at their age.

Myopia treatment

Many believe that wearing glasses or contact lenses is enough, but Dr. Raley emphasizes the importance of actively managing myopia.

In children, whose eyes are still developing, the condition can progress rapidly without intervention, while in adults, it typically stabilizes, shifting the focus to maintaining eye health.

“Myopia isn’t just about worsening vision—it’s a structural change in the eye that can lead to serious complications,” Dr. Raley said. “By taking a proactive approach with lifestyle adjustments and specialized treatments, we can help safeguard long-term vision health.”

Refined Eye Care offers multiple myopia treatment options:

• Atropine drops: Atropine drops are medicated eye drops used to slow the progression of myopia by reducing eye elongation.
• Specialized contact lenses: MiSight soft contact lenses, Food and Drug Administration-approved in 2018, are specialized and designed to alter how light focuses on the retina, helping to slow the elongation of the eye and the progression of myopia. These are worn during the day like a regular contact lens.
• Orthokeratology: Orthokeratology acts like a retainer for your cornea and helps slow the progression of myopia. Patients wear rigid lenses overnight, which gently reshape the cornea while they sleep, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Preventing myopia progression

Screen time is also a significant contributor to myopia progression, as prolonged use of digital devices can strain the eyes, leading to increased eye fatigue and a higher likelihood of the condition worsening over time.

“We recommend the Harmon Distance method, which determines the optimal distance between your eyes and screens based on an individual’s size,” Dr. Raley said. “To use this method, place your fist on your chin, then hold your device at least the length of your forearm—from your chin to your elbow—away from your face.”

Dr. Raley recommends that children under two should avoid screens altogether, and those under four should have no more than an hour of screen time daily.

Lifestyle plays a crucial role in myopia management. One of the simplest, yet most effective interventions, is spending time outdoors.

“Research shows that just 30 minutes outside daily using long distance vision can reduce myopia progression by about 18%,” Dr. Raley said.

A call to action

Dr. Raley urges parents to take proactive steps.

“The earlier we intervene, the better the outcome. Regular eye exams are crucial for catching potential issues early, as they allow us to detect even subtle changes in vision that could indicate myopia progression or other conditions,” Dr. Raley said.

With advanced treatments available at Refined Eye Care, patients now have the tools to maintain clear vision and safeguard against serious eye diseases. Whether it’s a child at risk of progression or an adult seeking freedom from glasses, solutions exist—and they start with an eye exam.

Refined Eye Care & Eyewear Gallery is located at 2188 TX-46 W., Ste. 102, New Braunfels, in the Oak Run shopping center. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Raley or explore myopia treatment options, visit the practice’s website.

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact’s Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their “sponsored content” purchase through our advertising team.