It’s Myopia Awareness Week, and while it’s easy to think of "nearsightedness" as just a minor inconvenience involving a pair of glasses, the reality is shifting.
With more children spending time on digital devices and less time outdoors, myopia is on the rise globally. This year, our goal is simple: reduce likelihood of myopia onset and progression. This starts by getting your family into the clinic. Early detection helps protect your child’s vision for a lifetime.
What Exactly is Myopia?
Commonly known as nearsightedness, myopia occurs when the eyeball grows slightly too long from front to back.
In a perfectly shaped eye, light focuses directly on the retina. In a myopic eye, the light focuses in front of the retina. This makes distant objects appear blurry, while close-up tasks like reading remain clear.
Why Is It a Concern? (It’s More Than Just Glasses)
Many parents assume that a stronger prescription every year is just a part of growing up. However, progressive myopia is a medical concern. When the eye stretches too much, it increases the risk of serious sight-threatening conditions later in life, including:
- Retinal Detachment
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Myopic Macular Degeneration
The younger a child is when they develop myopia, the faster and the more time the condition has to progress into "high myopia." This is why early intervention is required.
Preventative Measures: The "20-20-2" Rule
While genetics play a role, lifestyle is a massive factor. Here are three evidence-based ways to help reduce the likelihood of myopia onset and slow its progression:
- More Outdoors, Less Screen: Aim for at least 2 to 3 hours of outdoor time daily. Natural sunlight triggers dopamine release in the retina, which helps regulate healthy eye growth.
- The 20-20-20 Rule: For every 20 minutes of near-work (reading or tablets), have your child look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Regular Eye Exams: School screenings are great, but because of the threshold (in Singapore, parents get a note to see an eye care professional if the child's vision is 6/9 or worse), they often miss things. A comprehensive exam by an eye care professional can detect the earliest signs of eye lengthening before the vision even starts to blur.
Is Your Child at Risk?
Keep an eye out for these common "red flags" that might indicate your child is struggling to see:
| What it looks like | |
| Squinting | Narrowing eyes to see the TV or distant signs. |
| Proximity | Sitting very close to the television or holding books/phones near the face. |
| Physical Cues | Frequent eye rubbing or complaints of headaches after school. |
| Performance |
A sudden lack of interest in sports or a dip in classroom engagement. |
Use this calculator to find out if your child is at risk of myopia.
If your child has already been diagnosed with myopia, there are options such as myopia control lenses for them. These include:
- Ortho-K (Orthokeratology) Contact Lenses
- Soft Contact Lenses for Myopia Control
- Spectacle Lenses for Myopia Control
Your Action Item for Myopia Awareness Week: Don't wait for your child to complain that they can't see. By the time they notice, their myopia may already be progressing. Book a comprehensive eye exam this week to give your child the gift of clear, healthy vision.
Let’s work together to slow the blur. See you in the clinic!