Have you noticed your vision getting blurrier, even with your glasses or contacts? You’re not alone. Many adults experience increased myopia, also known as nearsightedness, over time. But what causes this change in adults?
Let’s look at the common reasons—explained simply.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia means you can see things clearly when they’re close, but faraway objects look blurry. This happens when the eye is too long or the lens bends light too much, so images don’t land on the retina the way they should.
Why Does Myopia Get Worse in Adults?
Even though your eyes usually stop growing by your late teens, certain things can still cause your myopia to increase.
1: Too Much Screen Time or Close-Up Work
Using your phone, reading a book, or working on a computer for hours can tire your eyes. When you focus up close for long periods, your eyes may slowly adjust to that, making distance vision worse.
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- Example: A person who works all day on spreadsheets or watches videos for hours might notice their glasses aren’t strong enough anymore.
2: Not Enough Time Outdoors
Spending time in natural light helps protect your eyes. People who stay indoors most of the day may have a higher risk of increasing myopia.
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- Example: Adults working in office jobs or staying inside for long periods may miss out on the eye-friendly benefits of sunlight and looking far into the distance.
3: Health Conditions Like Diabetes
When blood sugar is high, it can cause the lens in your eye to swell, leading to blurry or more nearsighted vision. If you have diabetes, this change may come and go with your blood sugar levels.
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- Example: A person with uncontrolled diabetes may notice sudden vision changes, which improve when their sugar levels stabilize.
4: Aging and Changes in the Eye
As we age, the lens in our eye naturally changes. It may become thicker or shift shape, leading to a myopic shift. This is sometimes an early sign of cataracts.
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- Example: An adult in their 50s or 60s may suddenly need stronger glasses, even though their vision was stable for years.
5: Certain Medications
Some medications can change how the eye focuses or affect the shape of the lens, leading to more myopia.
Examples of medications that may cause myopia:
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- Topiramate (used for seizures or migraines)
- Chlorpromazine and thioridazine (used for mental health conditions)
- Steroids like prednisone (used for inflammation or autoimmune diseases)
- Sulfa drugs like acetazolamide (used for glaucoma or altitude sickness)
These effects may be temporary or permanent, depending on the medication and how your body responds.
What Can You Do?
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- Take breaks from screens—every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Go outside daily, even for just 30 minutes.
- Get regular eye exams, especially if your vision changes quickly.
- Talk to your doctor if you’re on any medications and notice vision changes.
Final Thoughts
Myopia can continue to change in adults, but many of the causes are manageable. Whether it’s screen habits, health issues, or medications, knowing the reason can help you take better care of your eyes.
If your glasses don’t feel strong enough anymore, don’t wait—book an eye exam. Your vision matters!