
Can myopia correct itself?
I am 18 years old this year and have had myopia for many years. I would like to know whether myopia can improve on its own.

In general, pseudo-myopia may be reversible, while true myopia usually cannot be naturally restored.
Pseudo-myopia is primarily caused by continuous contraction and spasm of the ciliary muscle, often triggered by excessive eye use or abnormal accommodation function. Reducing the amount of time spent on near-eye activities and following the "20-20-20" rule—looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—can help. Increasing outdoor activities and ensuring more than two hours of outdoor time daily can also help relax the ciliary muscle, as natural light benefits eye health. Eye massage and warm compresses, such as gently massaging acupoints around the eyes or applying a warm towel to improve blood circulation, may also be beneficial. Additionally, under a doctor's guidance, mydriatic agents can be used to relieve ciliary muscle spasms.
True myopia results from an elongated axial length of the eye or changes in corneal curvature, which are structural physiological changes in the eye. Current medical technology cannot reverse axial elongation, so true myopia cannot be naturally restored. However, myopia can be corrected by wearing glasses, contact lenses, or undergoing laser refractive surgery.
It is recommended to maintain good eye habits in daily life, have regular eye examinations, and promptly detect and intervene in the progression of myopia. Moreover, patients who meet the surgical criteria can consider refractive surgery to correct vision. However, all surgeries carry certain risks and potential complications, so patients should fully understand the relevant surgical information and make decisions under the guidance of a doctor.