Myopia, also referred to as nearsightedness, is an eye condition where distant objects appear blurry. In Singapore, the prevalence of myopia in children is increasing, according to the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC). Up to 20% of children now have myopia, compared to 10% just a decade ago. They have also been seeing children at the age of 6 having to wear glasses. What this concerning trend highlights is the critical need for parents to understand myopia, its potential impact, and the importance of early detection and management.
What is Myopia?
Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea, the front surface of the eye, is too curved. This leads to the rays of light falling just short of the retina, making distant objects blurry. Common signs of myopia in children include squinting to see distant objects complaining of headaches or eye strain, and excessive blinking or rubbing of the eyes
The Impact of Myopia on Kids
In the short term, myopia could impact a child's life, affecting not only their vision but also their academic performance, social interactions, and overall well-being. Over time, as the child grows older and myopia is left unaddressed, it can increase the risk of eye conditions that could affect their sight.
1. Academic Performance
Research consistently shows that myopia or other vision issues can significantly impact a child's academic performance. This is largely because a healthy vision is essential for seeing and reading classroom materials, especially what's written on the whiteboard. Studies have found that when children with myopia receive glasses, their grades often show remarkable improvement. This highlights the importance of early vision screening and myopia control to ensure that children have the visual tools they need to be fully engaged in class.
2. Social and Emotional Well-being
In some cases, myopia may potentially affect your child's confidence and self-esteem, particularly if they feel different from their peers or are teased about wearing glasses. Researchers have also found that depression and anxiety have been linked to children with myopia. This is because they are less likely to participate in physical activities and more likely to be socially isolated, which can potentially affect their mental health.
3. Increased Risk of Eye Conditions
Kids with myopia, especially high myopia, have an increased risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life. These conditions may include glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, and blindness.
Early Detection of Myopia
Regular vision screenings during the preschool years are vital for the early detection of refractive errors and other eye conditions in children. Early identification allows for timely intervention, which is crucial for proper visual development.
Typically, vision screening involves assessing a child's ability to read letters or numbers of decreasing size from a chart positioned at a distance of 3 or 6 metres. If this assessment indicates reduced vision, a refraction test is performed to determine the appropriate corrective lens prescription.
In young children, cycloplegic eye drops are often administered to obtain the child’s refraction measurement. These drops temporarily relax the eye muscles responsible for focusing, preventing the natural tendency to accommodate near objects. This relaxation, coupled with pupil dilation, enables a comprehensive eye examination. However, it's important to note that following dilation, a child's vision may remain blurred for up to a day, but this effect is temporary and will resolve on its own.

Myopia Management Options in Singapore
While there is no exact way on how to fix myopia in kids, its progression can be slowed down withappropriate myopia control lenses.
- Myopia control spectacle lenses:There are specially designed spectacle lenses that help in providing myopic defocus and supporting your vision simultaneously. This helps in addressing myopic refractive errors and potentially slowing down the progression of myopia.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Ortho-K lenses are gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. This temporarily addresses myopia, aiding one’s vision during the day without requiring glasses or daytime contact lenses.
- Myopia control soft contact lenses: These types of contact lenses help manage the progression of myopia by controlling eye growth and influencing how light focuses on different areas of the retina.
Tips for Parents to Slow Down the Progression of Myopia
Some practical tips parents should consider when managing their child's myopia and potentially slowing down its progression include:
- Encourage Regular Eye Exams: Scheduling comprehensive eye examsevery 6 months ensures that any vision changes are caught early. Frequent monitoring is especially important if your child is confirmed to have myopia or if there’s a family history of the condition. These examinations will also determine if your kid does needmyopia control lenses, either in the form of glasses or lenses.
- Promote Outdoor Activities: Researchers have found that time spent outdoors can help slow down or minimise the risk of myopia in children. Though the cause for this is still unknown, some scientists suggest that the brightness of outdoor light could have an effect on the retina’s chemical signals, making it grow at a correct rate. It’s recommended to spend about 2 hours a day outdoors to support their eye health.
- Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen time has been linked to an increased risk of myopia. Set reasonable limits on screen time for your kid and encourage them to engage in other activities.
- Be Aware of the Signs: Watch for any signs of myopia in your child, such as squinting, headaches, or difficulty seeing distant objects. If you notice any concerns, schedule an eye checkup with an optometrist.
By understanding myopia and taking proactive measures, you can help manage and potentially slow down the progression of this common vision problem in your kids. With regular eye exams, lifestyle adjustments, and myopia management options, they can potentially maintain a healthy vision and overall well-being as they grow.
For more insights, learn why your kid should still get their eyes checked even if they have not complained about myopia or blurry vision.