Nearsightedness (Myopia): Home Treatment

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Home Treatment

You cannot prevent or cure nearsightedness (myopia), but you can work with your eye specialist to correct it. See:

• Tips for general good vision, such as taking periodic breaks from visually demanding tasks.
• Tips on contact lens care, including always rinsing your lens storage case and letting it air-dry to avoid contamination.

After refractive surgery to correct nearsightedness, home care may be needed.

• You may need to wear an eye patch, bandage, or special contact lenses for a few days after surgery. Do not rub your eye after surgery.
• Your doctor may prescribe eyedrops to reduce inflammation and the risk of infection. You may need to use them for several days or months after surgery.
• For 2 weeks after surgery, you should avoid vigorous sports, eye makeup, and activities that get water in the eye. The surgeon may recommend that you shower before the surgery and then avoid showering for a day or two afterward to keep from getting water in the eye.
• Depending on the type of surgery, your vision may be reduced for several days afterward. Do not drive until your vision has cleared.
• Dry-eye symptoms are common but usually temporary. They can be treated with lubricating eye drops. If the problem persists, you can use plugs that close off the ducts that drain the eye. Or your doctor may prescribe medicines for dry eye symptoms.

Last updated:	July 07, 2007
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC