As we live in a digital age, more and more people are spending long hours in front of screens, leading to a rise in cases of myopia. Myopia is a common eye condition, where individuals experience difficulty in seeing objects at a distance.

While it is not a disease, it can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, making it difficult to carry out daily activities such as driving, sports, or even recognizing people from a distance.

Myopia can be hereditary, meaning that individuals with a family history of myopia are at higher risk of developing it. However, research has shown that environmental factors also play a significant role in its development.

Therefore, it is crucial to adopt certain habits and practices that can prevent the onset of myopia or slow its progression.

One of the most effective ways to prevent myopia is to minimize screen time. With the increasing use of electronic devices, people tend to spend long hours staring at screens, which can cause eyestrain and fatigue.

Therefore, it is important to take breaks every 20-30 minutes to rest the eyes and refocus them on distant objects.

Outdoor activities are also essential for maintaining healthy eyesight. Regular exposure to sunlight helps the eyes produce vitamin D, which promotes calcium absorption in the body and contributes to healthy bone development.

Sunlight exposure also stimulates the release of dopamine in the retina, which has been linked to the prevention of myopia. Therefore, it is recommended to spend at least 2 hours daily outdoors, engaging in activities such as sports or walking.

Diet plays a significant role in maintaining healthy eyesight. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables that contain essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, E, and Zinc can help prevent the onset of myopia.

It is recommended to include foods such as carrots, spinach, kale, oranges, and almonds in the daily diet.

Proper eye care is also crucial in preventing myopia. Individuals should undergo regular eye exams to monitor their eye health and ensure that their glasses or contact lenses prescription is up to date. The proper lighting should be provided while reading or using electronic devices to reduce eyestrain.

Lastly, maintaining good posture is essential in preventing myopia. Individuals should maintain a distance of at least 18 to 24 inches between their eyes and the screen and ensure that the screen is at eye level. They should also avoid reading in dim light, which can cause eyestrain and fatigue.

In addition to outdoor activities, maintaining good reading habits can also help prevent myopia. When reading, make sure the lighting is adequate, and the reading material is at a proper distance from the eyes.

Myopia can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.

However, by adopting healthy habits and practices, it is possible to prevent its onset or slow its progression. Minimizing screen time, engaging in outdoor activities, consuming a balanced diet, receiving regular eye care, and maintaining good posture are all effective measures in preventing myopia.

By following these steps, individuals can protect their eyesight and enjoy a better quality of life.