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Eye Facts

June 5, 2020
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High Definition Custom LASIK at Heritage Eye, Skin & Laser Center

By | Blog, Eye Care, Eye Facts, Laser Vision Correction, LASIK, Latest Heritage News, Uncategorized

LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure that can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism,  thereby reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.  LASIK is considered to be a safe, accurate, and permanent procedure.

Your First Step Towards Freedom from Glasses and Contacts

You’ll begin your LASIK experience with a free consultation. First, you’ll have some preliminary eye tests and evaluations, then you’ll meet with Dr. Kenneth Miselis, our LASIK Surgeon.  Dr. Miselis will get to know you, your eyes, your health, and determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. This is a great opportunity to get a feel for our office, the staff, and your surgeon.

Afterward meeting with Dr. Miselis, you’ll meet with our LASIK Counselor, who will further discuss the procedure, and answer any questions or concerns you may have.  If you decide to schedule the procedure, your LASIK Counselor will be available to you from start to finish.

Why is it called High Definition Custom LASIK?

It is called High Definition Custom LASIK because every procedure we do is a customized for each patient.  First, we begin with creating an individualized treatment plan at your pre-op appointment. To develop your customized treatment plan, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to examine your eyes and obtain highly accurate measurements. This customized treatment plan ensures very precise surgical outcomes for our LASIK patients.

Next, we perform a test using wavefront technology  Every patient’s cornea is completely unique, like a fingerprint.  The wavescan scans the front of the eye and generates a 3D model of the cornea and the lens.  Dr. Miselis will use the results to identify and treat tiny visual imperfections called higher-order aberrations. Therefore, we are able to zero in on and correct these unique, microscopic imperfections that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.  That is why High Definition Custom LASIK at Heritage Eye, Skin & Laser Center is truly a customized and much more effective treatment.

What is the procedure like?

LASIK is typically a painless procedure. Before the procedure, you’re given medication to help you relax. Numbing eye drops are applied to your eyes to prevent any discomfort during the procedure. Although you may feel some pressure on your eye, the laser portion of the procedure is painless.

LASIK is also a very quick procedure.  The actual laser portion of the treatment only takes 20-50 seconds.

The procedure is a three-step process. First, Dr. Miselis creates a small hinged flap on the cornea. Second, Dr. Miselis folds the flap back and reshapes the cornea with the laser.  The cornea is reshaped so that it can focus light precisely and evenly.  When the cornea is the right shape, it is able to produce crisp, sharp vision. Lastly, Dr. Miselis closes the flap. 

Who would be considered a good candidate?

Over 94% of the eligible population are good candidates for LASIK. A good candidate is someone who is over 18 with a stable prescription (for at least one year). In addition, it is also important to have corneas that are thick enough. We measure the thickness of your cornea when you come in for the consultation.  If your cornea is too thin or you have corneal scarring, there may be other vision rejuvenation procedures with different requirements.

There are certain conditions and factors which can increase your risk of an undesirable outcome or limit optimal results. These include:

  • Chronic dry eyes
  • Too thin or irregular corneas
  • Large pupils
  • High refractive error
  • Women who are pregnant or nursing
  • Unstable vision
  • If you have certain degenerative or active autoimmune disorders

Recovery and Results

For the recovery period, you will need a ride home after the procedure. In addition, you will also need to wear protective eye shields while sleeping for a couple of weeks after the procedure to protect your eyes while they heal.  Lastly, you will need to use anti-inflammatory eye drops, antibiotic eye drops, and artificial tears to keep your eyes well moisturized.

As a result, most of our patients experience better vision almost immediately after having High Definition Custom LASIK.  Your vision will continue to improve over the next few months as your eyes stabilize.

Ultimately, the majority of our patients achieve 20/20 vision or better.  In addition, the procedure frequently produces an improvement in overall visual clarity when compared with glasses and contacts.

If you would like a LASIK Consultation, please call our office at 209.465.5933 or call our LASIK Department directly at 209.932.0220.

 

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April 20, 2020
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Children and technology: Protecting your child’s eyes

By | Eye Care, Eye Facts, Uncategorized

Children and technology: Protecting your child’s eyes

By Gary Heiting, OD

Children and technology are practically inseparable these days. Whether for educational purposes or just fun, children are spending a good portion of their day on “screen time” — staring at the LED screens of computers, tablets, smartphones and other digital devices.

According to Common Sense Media, children under age 8 now spend more than two hours a day with screen media. For 8- to 10-year-olds, screen time triples to six hours a day. And it’s not unusual for kids in middle school and high school to spend up to nine hours per day looking at digital displays.

If you’re wondering if all this screen time might cause problems for your child’s eyes and vision, the short answer is: “Yes, it does.”

Risks associated with too much screen time

Children who spend multiple hours staring at digital devices are at risk of developing these vision-related problems:

     

            Too much unsupervised computer work may cause vision problems for kids.

Computer Vision Syndrome

Computer vision syndrome— also called digital eye strain — is a condition that’s caused by visual stress from extended screen time.

Computer vision syndrome has a combination of symptoms, including: fluctuating vision, tired eyes, dry eyes, headache and fatigue. Other non-visual symptoms of computer vision syndrome include neck, back and shoulder pain.

Blue-light glasses and computer glasses can offer relief from digital eye strain.

Unhealthy posture

When using a computer or digital device for prolonged periods, it’s common to start slouching inward, rounding the back and shoulders, and then tilt the head back and jut the chin forward. This unnatural (and unhealthy) posture — called “turtling” — leads to many of the non-visual symptoms of computer vision syndrome.

Nearsightedness

Vision researchers believe increased screen time among children is a significant risk factor for the development and progression of nearsightedness (myopia). The prevalence of myopia has grown significantly in the last few decades and this trend coincides with the increased use of computers and digital devices by children.

Increased exposure to blue light

High-energy visible light called blue light is emitted by the LED screens of computers, tablets, smartphones and other digital devices. Although the most significant source of blue light exposure is natural sunlight, many researchers and eye doctors are concerned that the added blue light exposure from computers and digital devices might increase a person’s risk of age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration later in life.

Digital devices such as tablets can cause eye strain in kids,
so monitor their use as well as that of desktops and laptops.

What To Do

It’s not realistic to think that children will stop using modern technology. But there are some easy things you can do to decrease your child’s risk of eye and vision problems from prolonged use of computers and digital devices:

Encourage frequent visual breaks

One of the best things you can do to reduce your child’s risk of digital eye strain is to get them to follow the “20-20-20” rule: Every 20 minutes, take your eyes off your screen and look at something that’s at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

This simple task relaxes the focusing and eye alignment muscles, reducing the risk of many of the symptoms of digital eye strain.

The 20-20-20 rule also might decrease the risk of myopia progression. Some research suggests focusing fatigue may be associated with the onset and worsening of myopia. Taking frequent breaks from staring at digital screens helps reduce this fatigue.

Encourage frequent posture checks

The time taken to follow the 20-20-20 rule is also a good time to sit up straight and realign the head, neck and shoulders. Moving the head slowly to the right and left and also up and down can relieve strained muscles and reduce fatigue.

If it’s possible, getting up to walk and stretch the entire body also is a good idea to reduce the risk of non-visual symptoms of computer vision syndrome.

Protect their eyes from blue light

Currently, no one knows for sure how damaging the added exposure to blue light emitted by computer screens and digital devices might be to a child’s eyes over time. It may take researchers decades to sort that out.

In the meantime, it’s prudent to protect your child’s eye from blue light from both sunlight and digital devices.

Outdoors, polarized sunglasses offer the best protection from glare and blue light, blocking roughly 90 percent or more of the sun’s harmful blue light.

For indoor and outdoor wear, photochromic lenses such as Transitions lenses are an excellent choice.

For indoor wear, eyeglass lenses with an integrated blue light filter are a good choice.

Be aware that different eyeglass lens companies may measure blue light filtration properties differently, and lenses with the most effective blue light filters have a tint that will affect the appearance of these lenses.

Finally, certain anti-reflective coatings can help eyeglass lenses filter blue light.

Establish media-free times

It’s a great idea to establish media-free times each day to break your child’s fixation on digital devices, reduce eye fatigue, and limit blue light exposure. Use this time to connect as a family.

Schedule annual eye exams

Finally, schedule annual eye exams for your children prior to the start of every school year.

In addition to making sure your child’s eyes are healthy and seeing well, your can perform special tests and provide specific suggestions to reduce the risk and symptoms of computer eye strain.

Children and technology are the future. Taking these simple measures can go a long way toward keeping your tech-savvy child seeing clearly and comfortably for years to come.

Notes and References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/multimedia/infographics/getmoving.html. January 2018.

The Common Sense census: Media use by kids age zero to eight. Common Sense Media. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/the-common-sense-census-media-use-by-kids-age-zero-to-eight-2017. October 2017.

American Academy of Pediatrics announces new recommendations for children’s media use. American Academy of Pediatrics. www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/American-Academy-of-Pediatrics-Announces-New-Recommendations-for-Childrens-Media-Use.aspx. October 2016.

 

March 11, 2020
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It’s That Time Of Year- Understanding Eye Allergies

By | Blog, Community Outreach, Eye Care, Eye Facts, Health and Nutrition, Latest Heritage News

Understanding Eye Allergies

When you say, “I have allergies,” people expect you to sneeze. But your nose isn’t the only part of your body that gets hit during an allergy attack. You can also have red, swollen, and itchy eyes.

The usual suspects — pollen, dust mites, pet dander, feathers, and other indoor or outdoor allergens — can set off eye  allergy symptoms. To treat them, find out what triggers them and stay ahead of the symptoms. Eye drops and other medications can bring relief.

Eye Allergies Triggers

Eye allergies are also known as “allergic conjunctivitis.” Just like any other allergic reaction, they are caused by a misfiring of the immune system, the body’s natural defense mechanism.

When you have allergies, your body reacts to things that aren’t really harmful, like pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander. It releases histamine, a chemical that causes swelling and inflammation. The blood vessels in your eyes swell and your eyes get red, teary, and itchy.

You can be allergic to:

Pollen from grasses, weeds, and trees. These are the most common kinds of eye allergies and are called seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

Dust, pet dander, and other indoor allergens. These eye allergies last year-round and are called chronic (perennial) conjunctivitis.

Makeup, perfume, or other chemicals can trigger eye allergies called contact conjunctivitis.

An allergy to contact lenses, called giant papillary conjunctivitis, can cause bumps on the inside of your eyelid, making your eyes sensitive and red both with and without wearing your contact lenses.

Symptoms to Watch For

You may start to have symptoms as soon as the eyes come in contact with the allergen, or you may not have symptoms for two to four days.

Symptoms of eye allergies include:

Red, irritated eyes

Itchiness

Tearing or runny eyes

Swollen eyelids

Soreness, burning, or pain

Sensitivity to light

Usually you’ll also have other allergy symptoms, such as a stuffy, runny nose and sneezing.

 

Treating Eye Allergies

Some of the same medicines you use for nasal allergies work for eye allergies. For quick relief, over-the-counter eye drops and pills can help.

November 13, 2019
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November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month

By | Eye Care, Eye Facts, Eye Safety, Health and Nutrition

Diabetes:  What It Is, Prevention, and Its Affect on the Eyes

What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is the condition in which the body does not properly process food for use as energy. This causes glucose (sugar) to build up in the blood. Too much glucose in the blood can cause damage throughout the body, including the heart, kidneys, feet, teeth, skin, blood vessels in the body, and the small blood vessels in the eyes. In the United States alone, there are 29.1 million people diagnosed with diabetes and it is the seventh leading cause of death.

Can Diabetes Be Prevented?
Type 1 Diabetes (a total lack of insulin available to control the body’s glucose levels) cannot be prevented but those with the disease can help prevent or delay the development of complications by keeping their blood sugar in a target range and by having regularly scheduled medical exams and dilated eye exams to detect early signs of complications.

Type 2 Diabetes (insufficient insulin in the body or the body unable to use it as it should), on the other hand, can, in most cases, be prevented. Research studies have found that moderate weight loss and exercise can prevent or delay Type 2 Diabetes. According to the Diabetes Research Council, with the correct treatment and lifestyle changes, many people with diabetes are able to prevent or delay the onset of complications. For more information on a “wellness approach to diabetes”:  https://www.diabetesresearch.org/document.doc?id=260

Does Diabetes Affect the Eyes?
Diabetes does affect the eyes and can cause cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.

What are Cataracts?
Cataracts is a condition where the eye’s naturally clear lens becomes cloudy, or opaque. With diabetes, uncontrolled blood sugar levels speed up the development of cataracts in adults and younger people as well.

 What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease that occurs when too much fluid builds up in the front part of the eye. This fluid buildup increases the pressure within the eye, which, in turn, damages the optic nerve. According to the National Eye Institute, glaucoma is sometimes called “silent thief of sight” because it slowly damages the eyes and can cause irreparable harm before there are symptoms.

                 vision-with-and-without-glaucoma

There are treatments to delay vision loss, but no cure, making it a leading cause of blindness all over the world. According to the Glaucoma Foundation, there is considerable evidence that having Type 2 Diabetes along with the duration of the disease, and having uncontrolled blood sugar levels increases the risk of developing primary open angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma).

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition of the eye in which the blood vessels in the retina swell, leak, close off completely, or abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. Between 12,000 and 24,000 new cases of blindness from diabetic retinopathy occur in the United States each year, according to the CDC, and many could be prevented with early intervention. But a significant percentage of Americans with diabetes are not aware of their risk of vision impairment from the disease.

Oftentimes there are no visual symptoms with diabetic retinopathy, but an examination of the retina can reveal the tiny dot and blot hemorrhages in the eye.

 

 

 

 

 

August 14, 2019
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Your Child’s Eye Exam and Vision Problems Why catching vision problems early is important

By | Blog, Eye Care, Eye Facts, Health and Nutrition, Latest Heritage News
By Katherine Lee
Updated June 01, 2019

What Parents Should Know Before They Bring Their Child to an Eye Exam

As children enter kindergarten and elementary school, good vision will become an important part of learning. Here are some key facts parents should know about pediatric eye exams, and the important role they play in a child’s overall health and development.

  1. Vision screening for kids isn’t one and done. Because kids’ vision can change over time, child vision screenings should be done at least once a year. Some vision problems, such as nearsightedness, may not emerge until kids are older, around age 8 or 9, and growth spurts can also contribute to a rapid change in vision.
  2. Many parents may not even be aware that their child is experiencing vision problems until a problem is detected by a vision screening.Vision screenings are important because young children often don’t realize what is or isn’t normal, and are not likely to speak up if they’re not seeing as well as they should.
    1. The signs that your child may be experiencing vision problems can be subtle and can include squinting; tilting or turning the head to see something; eye misalignment (strabismus); complaining of headaches when doing visual tasks; inability to see things that are far away as well as peers/parents; trouble concentrating or fatigue in school; and having a persistent, unusual spot in his eyes in photos taken with a flash (a white spot, for example, instead of the common red eyes), which can indicate nearsightedness or in some cases, a more serious eye disease.
    2. Sitting close to the TV or holding things such as books very close to the face could also indicate a vision problem, but since these are common kid behaviors in all kids, parents should look for these symptoms in combination with the other signs that their child is having trouble seeing well, says Mae Millicent W. Peterseim, MD, a pediatric ophthalmologist at the Storm Eye Institute/Medical University of South Carolina.
  1. It is very important to catch vision problems early. Some conditions, such as amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” are most treatable when caught at a young age, and are difficult to fix if it’s diagnosed when a child is older, around age 7 or more. For instance, a child may have poor vision in one eye but see well enough with both so that the problem isn’t detected; only a vision screening that tests a child’s vision one eye at a time would detect such a problem. (Amblyopia is usually treated with glasses and sometimes patching.) “It’s heartbreaking to hear a child say, ‘I thought everyone could see better with one eye,” says Dr. Peterseim.
  2. Once a problem is detected, a child should undergo a comprehensive eye exam. If a screening exam indicates a vision problem, a child will be referred to an ophthalmologist or optometrist for a complete eye exam. “At an eye exam, at the eye doctor’s office, the technician will check vision and should do a test of depth perception,” says Dr. Peterseim. The doctor will check to see how well the eyes track something and how well they move and focus on objects (looking at each eye independently by covering one first and then the other). She will also examine the retina and optic nerve and check the eyes for any signs of infection or disease.
  1. There are exciting new screening tests for children. “Newer instrument-based screening works well and can pick up problems in children earlier,” says Dr. Peterseim. “A child looks at the device with a twinkling light and the machine detects abnormalities in a moment, like a camera, so minimal cooperation is needed.” This method is a bit more expensive, but it’s fast, easy, and effective. New AAP policy is recommending instrument-based screenings for children as young as 12 months old, says Dr. Peterseim.
  2. Eye exams are particularly important for school-age children. Children learn a lot visually in the classroom, and poor vision can have a negative effect on how a child does in school. That’s why it’s particularly important for school-age children to continue to get regular vision screenings, whether at school or at the doctor’s office.
  3. Parents play an important role in protecting kids’ vision. Follow up on screening test results and/or if you spot any signs your child may have a vision problem. Look for a pediatric ophthalmologist or optometrist, or a doctor who is comfortable with children and is experienced in caring for kids’ eyes. For instance, kids tend to peek when asked to cover one eye, so a doctor should know to use a patch or cover an eye well during the exam. Doctors should also dilate pupils during an eye exam. “It is important that the child have drops to dilate the pupils to determine if he really needs glasses,” says Dr. Peterseim. “Some doctors skip this step. If your child’s eye doctor doesn’t do this, a parent should ask, or go somewhere else.”
June 12, 2019
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Relationship Between Glaucoma and Poor Sleep

By | Eye Care, Eye Facts, Health and Nutrition, Latest Heritage News

Eye-Opening Study: Relationship Between Glaucoma and Poor Sleep

Written By: Kierstan Boyd
Reviewed By: Michael V Boland MD PhD
Apr. 10, 2019

A study of more than 6,700 people in the United States over age 40 who answered a survey about their sleep revealed possible connections between glaucoma and sleep problems.

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve. Damage to this nerve—which is responsible for sending signals from the eye to the brain so you can see—often goes unnoticed until an eye exam reveals the nerve damage and related vision loss caused by glaucoma.

The study examined data from the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The study participants were glaucoma patients with evidence of optic nerve damage and vision loss in some portions of their visual field. Participants were examined using fundus photography to see the optic nerve and automated visual field testing to check for areas of vision loss.

Respondents to the sleep questions of the survey reported their experiences with the following:

  • Amount of time slept
  • Difficulties falling asleep
  • Sleep disturbances (waking up during sleep)
  • Having diagnosed sleep disorders, including sleep apnea
  • Use of sleep medication
  • Problems with sleepiness during the day

The study found an association between having glaucoma and having various sleep problems. Among the findings:

  • People who slept for 10 or more hours a night were three times more likely to have glaucoma-related optic nerve damage than those who slept 7 hours a night.
  • People who fell asleep in 9 minutes or less, or those who needed 30 minutes or more to fall asleep, were twice as likely to have glaucoma than those who took 10-29 minutes to fall asleep.
  • The odds of having missing vision were three times higher among people who got 3 or fewer or 10 or more hours of sleep per night, compared with those who got 7 hours a night.
  • People who said they had trouble remembering things because of daytime sleepiness were twice as likely to have visual field loss than those who said they were not sleepy during the day and did not notice memory problems.
  • People who said they had difficulty working on a hobby because they were sleepy during the day were three times more likely to have vision loss than people who reported no problems working on hobbies and no daytime sleepiness.

“This study is interesting in that it adds to other research looking at the association between glaucoma and sleep problems,” says Michael Boland, MD, PhD, one of the study’s authors and a glaucoma specialist at the Wilmer Eye Institute of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD.

“We already know that doctors should talk with their patients about the importance of healthy sleep for good overall health. With studies like this, we can add that glaucoma may be related to sleep health issues,” says Dr. Boland.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that everyone should see an ophthalmologist for a baseline medical eye exam at age 40. This is the age when early signs of eye disease (like glaucoma) and vision changes can begin.

Seniors who are worried about the cost of an exam can visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeCare America program page to see if they are eligible for a no-cost eye exam.

April 2, 2019
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Vision Facts and Myths

By | Blog, Eye Care, Eye Facts, Latest Heritage News

Vision Facts and Myths

Reviewed by: Jonathan H. Salvin, MD

 

Old wives’ tales abound about the eyes. From watching TV to eating carrots, here’s the lowdown on some vision facts and fiction.

Myth: If you cross your eyes, they’ll stay that way.

Fact: Contrary to the old saying, eyes will not stay that way if you cross them. If your child is crossing one eye constantly, schedule an evaluation by an ophthalmologist.

 

Myth: Sitting too close to the TV is bad for the eyes.

Fact: Although parents have been saying this ever since TVs first found their way into our homes, there’s no evidence that plunking down right in front of the TV set damages someone’s eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) says that kids can actually focus up close without eyestrain better than adults, so they often develop the habit of sitting right in front of the television or holding reading material close to their eyes. However, sitting close to a TV may be a sign of nearsightedness.

 

Myth: If parents have poor eyesight, their kids will inherit that trait.

Fact: Unfortunately, this one is sometimes true. If you need glasses for good vision or have developed an eye condition (such as cataracts), your kids might inherit that same trait. Discuss your family’s visual history with your doctor.

 

Myth: Eating carrots can improve vision.

Fact: Although it’s true that carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is essential for sight, so are many other foods (asparagus, apricots, nectarines, and milk, for example). A well-balanced diet can provide the vitamin A needed for good vision, says the AAO.

 

Myth: Computer use can damage the eyes.

Fact: According to the AAO, computer use won’t harm the eyes. However, when using a computer for long periods of time, the eyes blink less than normal (like they do when reading or performing other close work). This makes the eyes dry, which may lead to a feeling of eyestrain or fatigue. So encourage your kids to take frequent breaks from Internet surfing or video games.

 

Myth: Two blue-eyed parents can’t produce a child with brown eyes.

Fact: Two blue-eyed parents can have a child with brown eyes, although it’s very rare. Likewise, two brown-eyed parents can have a child with blue eyes, although this is also uncommon.

 

Myth: Only boys can be color-blind.

Fact: It’s estimated that up to 8% of boys have some degree of color blindness, whereas less than 1% of girls do.

 

Myth: The eye is full size at birth.

Fact: The eye is NOT full size at birth but continues to grow with your child. This growth partially accounts for refractive (glasses) changes that occur during childhood.

 

Myth: Wearing glasses too much will make the eyes “dependent” on them.

Fact: Refractive errors (near-sightedness, far-sightedness, or astigmatism) change as kids get older. Many variables come into play, but most of this change is likely due to genetics and continues despite wearing glasses earlier or later or more or less. Wearing glasses does not make the eyes get worse.

January 31, 2019
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One Reason Myopia (Nearsightedness) is on the Rise!

By | Community Outreach, Eye Care, Eye Facts, Eye Safety

An incredible 1.6 billion people worldwide suffer from some form of nearsightedness (myopia), which can vary from being mild to severe.

Myopia is the world’s most common eyesight problem, but in the last two decades there has been a significant increase in the number of children being diagnosed with the condition.

Recent research suggests that a quarter of children now need glasses to correct blurred distance vision caused by myopia.

A study carried out has found that a lack of outdoor activity (less than 45 minutes a day) and a general increase in the amount of time (more than 2 hours a day) spent using near vision (video games, computers) can affect eye development in children.

Reducing the risk of myopia
There is a genetic link to the development of myopia, with those who have a familial history of the eye condition being more likely to suffer from it too.

For children who are predisposed to developing myopia, it was suggested that they spend at least 15 hours a week outside and minimize the amount of time doing long stints of activities that require near vision.

Simple changes, such as increasing the amount of time outdoors and limiting the use of liquid crystal monitors at close range (laptops, computer games etc) can help reduce the risk of developing myopia.