Life After 20/20: Maintenance & Prevention

Congratulations! Reaching your vision goals is a huge milestone. But like fitness, vision require maintenance to ensure your hard-earned progress lasts a lifetime.

Can Amblyopia Return?

Yes, regression (the return of amblyopia) can happen, especially shortly after stopping treatment. It is crucial to taper off treatment gradually under your doctor's supervision rather than stopping cold turkey.

The Maintenance Phase

Once you've achieved equal vision, your doctor might recommend a "maintenance dose" of patching or gameplay. This helps cement the neural pathways in the brain.

• Don't Stop Abruptly: Follow the weaning schedule prescribed by your eye doctor.
• Monitor regularly: Keep an eye out for any signs of vision slipping back, such as squinting or head tilting.

The 20-20-20 Rule

In our digital age, digital eye strain is a real threat to everyone, not just those with amblyopia. The 20-20-20 rule is a simple habit to protect your eyes:

Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

This relaxes the focusing muscles inside the eye and reduces fatigue.

Healthy Habits for Life

To keep your vision sharp:

• Outdoor Play: Sunlight releases dopamine in the retina, which helps prevent myopia (nearsightedness) progression. Aim for at least 2 hours outdoors daily.
• Proper Lighting: Always read or play in a well-lit room. Avoid using screens in the dark.
• Distance Matters: Keep screens at least 30-40cm (arm's length) away from the eyes.