Myopia, or nearsightedness, makes it hard to see distant objects clearly. You may find yourself squinting to read road signs or notice your child holding books too close. In a digital world where screen time dominates and outdoor play takes a backseat, myopia has become more common than ever, especially in children and teens.
Fortunately, you can take steps to protect your family’s vision. Let’s break down what causes myopia, how to spot it early and the different myopia treatment methods you can consider in Singapore.
What Causes Myopia?
Myopia develops when the eyeball grows too long.. This prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina, making distant objects appear blurry.
Genetics play a big role; if one or both parents are myopic, their children face a higher risk, although not invariably. The genetic basis is complex and polygenic. But lifestyle and habits matter a lot too. Kids who spend a lot of time on screens or reading without breaks may be more likely to develop myopia. Studies show that not getting enough natural light can also increase the risk, which is why indoor-heavy routines and academic pressure have contributed to rising myopia rates among schoolchildren.
Recognising the Symptoms of Myopia
Myopia doesn’t always announce itself with obvious signs, especially in children. You may be surprised that some of these symptoms can be symptoms of myopia in children. That’s why it helps to stay alert to the following symptoms:
- Blurry vision when looking at distant objects, like classroom boards or signboards
- Squinting or tilting the head to focus better
- Frequent headaches or eye strain, especially after reading or screen time
- Sitting too close to the TV or bringing books very close to the face
- Complaints about difficulty seeing clearly in class or at night
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in yourself or your child, it’s time for an eye exam.
Why is it Important to prevent Myopia when children are young?
We do not want children to grow up with high myopia, as the consequences of high myopia (>6D) when they are adults are dire.
The risks of the following sight-threatening problems increase with increasing myopia
1
Retina tear and retina detachment
2
Pathological Myopia: Myopic macula degeneration, lacquer cracks
3
Peripheral Retina degeneration like lattice degeneration
4
Earlier onset of cataracts
5
Higher probability of glaucoma
Even when LASIK surgery corrects the myopia degrees at the level of the cornea by reshaping the cornea when they are old as an adult, it does not reduce the risks of the above risks to the retina behind, as the eye ball has lengthened over time, and the retina and sclera are stretched to thin out the retina.
Prevention of myopia progression to pathological myopia is always better than cure.
Myopia Prevention Techniques
You can’t always prevent myopia, especially if there’s a strong genetic link. But you can slow its progression and reduce the risk with the right habits, especially during childhood.
Outdoor Time and Exposure to Natural Light
Encourage your child to spend at least two hours outdoors each day. Natural light supports healthy eye development and can delay the onset of myopia. Even a simple walk after school or weekend play in the park makes a difference. Studies have shown that outdoor activities more than 2 hours a day are protective against myopia progression.
Good Visual Hygiene and Posture
Teach your child the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of near work, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Maintain proper posture and good lighting while reading or using digital devices. These small habits and good ergonomics help reduce eye strain and promote healthy focusing.
Regular Eye Check-ups
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Schedule regular eye exams for the whole family.
For children, yearly or even half-yearly eye check-ups, especially between 6 to 12 years old (the period of highest rate of myopia progression), help track changes and intervene early if necessary.
For adults, routine screenings can also detect other eye conditions linked to high myopia, like glaucoma or retinal issues.
Myopia Treatment Methods
Once diagnosed, myopia can be effectively managed through a range of treatments. Your eye doctor will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your age, lifestyle and severity of the condition.
Corrective Lenses for Myopia
Prescription glasses are the most common solution for myopia. They’re safe, simple and effective—especially for children. If your child’s myopia is worsening, your doctor may suggest specialised myopia control lenses, like defocus lenses or progressive addition lenses, which can help slow the condition’s progression.
Contact Lenses for Myopia
For teens and adults who want a glasses-free option, contact lenses offer clear, comfortable vision. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses are a popular choice for kids and teens. These custom-designed lenses reshape the cornea overnight, allowing your child to see clearly during the day without needing glasses.
Pharmaceutical Treatments
Low-dose atropine (Myopine) eye drops can help control how fast myopia worsens in children. These drops are easy to use, just one drop before bedtime. Your ophthalmologist will monitor the effects and adjust the dose if needed. At our clinic, we offer Myopine eye drops 0.01% and Myopine 0.025% eyedrops to retard myopia progression.
Refractive Surgery
For adults (above 21 years old) whose vision has stabilised for at least one year or more, laser eye surgery offers a long-term solution. Procedures like LASIK or SMILE reshape the cornea to correct the refractive error, reducing or even eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. While surgery isn’t suitable for children, it’s an option adults can consider when looking to free themselves from corrective eyewear.
When to Seek Professional Help
It’s important to seek professional help if you or your child:
- Have trouble seeing distant objects clearly
- Experience frequent headaches or eyestrain
- Notice rapid changes in vision or in terms of degrees or spectacle power
- Have a family history of severe or progressive myopia
Early intervention can prevent complications such as high myopia, which is associated with increased risks of retinal detachment, glaucoma and myopic maculopathy. Regular eye check-ups ensure that any changes in your vision are managed promptly and appropriately.
Need Myopia Treatment in Singapore?
At Angel Eye & Cataract Centre, we offer personalised care for patients of all ages experiencing myopia. From early childhood screening to treatment options like low-dose atropine therapy and orthokeratology, our team provides evidence-based solutions in Singapore to manage and slow myopia progression.
Whether you’re exploring your child’s first pair of glasses or considering refractive surgery, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Don’t wait for blurry vision to disrupt your life. Book an eye screening at Angel Eye & Cataract Centre.
