How to Reduce Myopia (Nearsightedness) and Improve Vision

Last Updated: February 26, 2025

If you rely on glasses or contact lenses to see clearly, you’re not alone. Nearsightedness (myopia) is one of the most common vision conditions, affecting millions of Americans. While glasses and contacts provide a temporary fix, many people are looking for long-term solutions to reduce myopia and improve their natural vision – and there are options.

At Goel Vision, Dr. Sonny Goel specializes in a variety of advanced vision correction treatments, including LASIK and SMILE eye surgery, to treat myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and other eye conditions. He’s helped thousands of patients in Baltimore, Columbia, and the surrounding area achieve clearer vision – and you could be next.

Here’s everything to know about treatments for myopia.

What is Myopia (Nearsightedness)?

Myopia is a refractive error where objects up close appear clear, but distant objects look blurry. It happens when the eye is slightly longer than normal, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Common Symptoms of Myopia:

• Blurred distance vision
• Frequent squinting
• Eye strain and headaches
• Difficulty seeing while driving, especially at night

Causes of Myopia:

• Family History: If one or both parents have myopia, the risk increases.
• Screen Time & Near Work: Excessive reading, phone use, or screen exposure can contribute.
• Lack of Outdoor Time: Studies suggest that more time outdoors may help slow progression.

While myopia cannot be reversed, several treatments can help reduce its progression and correct vision long-term.

How to Reduce Myopia Naturally

1. Strengthen Your Eye Muscles with Visual Exercises

Just like any muscle, your eyes can benefit from regular exercise to reduce strain and improve focus. While vision exercises won’t eliminate myopia, they can help reduce:

• Eye strain from digital screens
• Light sensitivity
• Difficulty focusing at different distances

Some common exercises include:

• The 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to relax your eye muscles.
• Focus Shifting: Alternate focusing on a near and far object to improve flexibility.
• Eye Rolling & Blinking Exercises: Reduce dryness and fatigue.

While these methods won’t reverse myopia, they support overall eye health.

2. Take Regular Breaks from Screens & Close Work

Prolonged screen time and close-up work (like reading or computer use) can worsen myopia symptoms.

• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule to give your eyes a break.
• Use proper lighting when reading or working on screens.
• Blink often to prevent dry eye symptoms.

3. Get More Natural Light

Spending more time outdoors has been linked to slower myopia progression, especially in children.

• Aim for at least 2 hours of outdoor time per day.
• Natural daylight helps regulate healthy eye development.

4. Reduce Dependence on Glasses When Possible

While glasses help you see clearly, some eye specialists recommend not wearing them constantly unless necessary.

• Only use distance glasses when needed (like driving).
• Allow your eyes to adjust naturally in low-risk situations.

These treatment options won’t cure myopia, but may help reduce reliance on corrective lenses over time.

Laser Eye Surgery: A Permanent Solution for Myopia

If you’re tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses, laser vision correction is the most effective long-term solution for myopia correction.

Types of Laser Eye Surgery for Myopia:

✔ LASIK – The most popular option, offering quick recovery and precise correction. 
✔ SMILE – A minimally invasive, flap-free alternative to LASIK, ideal for active individuals. 
✔ PRK – Suitable for patients who are not LASIK candidates due to thin corneas.

Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery:

• Permanent vision correction
• Fast & painless procedure (typically under 15 minutes per eye)
• Quick recovery (many return to work the next day)
• Eliminates or reduces dependence on glasses & contacts

Most laser surgery patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, making daily activities easier and more convenient.

Am I a Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?

You may qualify for LASIK, SMILE, or PRK if you:

✔ Are at least 18 years old 
✔ Have stable vision for at least a year 
✔ Have healthy corneas and no major eye diseases 
✔ Want long-term freedom from glasses & contacts

At Goel Vision, Dr. Goel has performed over 100,000 successful laser eye surgeries, helping patients achieve clearer vision without corrective lenses—and you could be next!

If you’re looking to reduce myopia and explore long-term vision correction options, our team at Goel Vision is here to help.

Book your FREE consultation today to get started.