Lifestyle and home remedies

You can't prevent nearsightedness at this time. Some studies suggest you may be able to slow its progression though. You can, however, help protect your eyes and your vision by following these tips:

• Have your eyes checked. Do this regularly even if you see well.
• Control chronic health conditions. Certain conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can affect your vision if you don't receive proper treatment.
• Protect your eyes from the sun. Wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
• Prevent eye injuries. Wear protective eyewear when doing certain things, such as playing sports, mowing the lawn, painting or using other products with toxic fumes.
• Eat healthy foods. Try to eat plenty of leafy greens, other vegetables and fruits. And studies show that your eyes benefit if you also include in your diet fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as tuna and salmon.
• Don't smoke. Just as smoking isn't good for the rest of your body, smoking can adversely affect your eye health as well.
• Use the right corrective lenses. The right lenses optimize your vision. Having regular exams will ensure that your prescription is correct. There is evidence that wearing a prescription that is too weak (undercorrecting) can increase the development of nearsightedness.
• Use good lighting. Turn up or add light for better vision.
• Reduce eyestrain. Look away from your computer or near-task work, including reading, every 20 minutes — for 20 seconds — at something 20 feet away.
• See your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms: Sudden loss of vision in one eye with or without pain; sudden hazy or blurred vision; double vision; or you see flashes of light, black spots or halos around lights. This may represent a serious medical or eye condition.