Is there a natural cure for myopia?

Wouldn’t it be amazing to find a natural cure for myopia, to put an end your near-sightedness once and for all? In this article we’ll take a look at some different myopia treatments, including options that don’t involve surgery or medication.

Cures and treatments

Myopia isn’t a disease like cancer or diabetes. Instead it’s classed as a refractive error – a fault in the way that your eyes focus light. Can you cure myopia? Well, unlike a virus or an infection, myopia is caused by the shape of your eyeballs, so unfortunately it can’t be ‘cured’ using medicine, exercises, massage or herbal remedies.

That’s not to say there’s nothing that can be done to restore your vision. Although not technically a ‘cure’ that eradicates the problem forever, glasses and contact lenses can correct short-sightedness as long as you keep them on. And laser eye surgery is a long-term corrective treatment that changes the way you focus by permanently altering the shape of your corneas. Orthokeratology is another option to consider.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-k) and corneal refractive therapy (CRT)

Can you cure myopia naturally? That depends on what you mean by ‘natural’. Glasses are a good choice for anyone who dislikes the idea of surgical intervention. Wearing glasses doesn’t involve taking medication of any kind, and it’s completely reversible – simply take off your spectacles whenever you like.

Orthokeratology (ortho-k) is another, non-invasive, alternative that many people find effective. It involves wearing a type of rigid contact lens overnight which works to flatten and reshape the cornea, thus changing the way your eye focuses. Ortho-k is a treatment option for anyone with myopia, and can work to slow down the onset of myopia in childhood. Corneal refractive therapy (CRT) is a similar treatment that involves using a special type of corneal reshaping contact lens.

Why choose Ortho-k? It may be a good option for you if you want something that’s completely reversible, as you can stop treatment at any time. (The effects last for 1-2 days, so for lasting results it’s recommended that you wear the lenses every night.) Ortho-k treatment can also be cheaper than undergoing laser eye surgery.

Natural remedies and lifestyle choices for eye health

If natural health is important to you, there are lots of things you can do to keep your eyes healthy. You won’t be able to cure myopia with these remedies, but you can boost your eye health with these lifestyle choices:

Eat well. Try these superfoods for healthy eyes to ensure your eyes are getting all the nutrients they need.
Consider additional vitamins and supplements, such as flaxseed oil or fish oil.
If you smoke, cut down or quit.
Drink in moderation because too much alcohol can affect your eyesight.
Try some eye exercises to relieve the symptoms of eye strain.