What is myopia?

Myopia is also known as nearsightedness. It causes nearby objects to appear clear while distant objects look blurry or indistinct.

Singapore has been referred to as the Myopia Capital of the World thanks to the condition’s high incidence rate in the population. An estimated 80% of Singaporeans aged 18 and younger have myopia.

Causes of myopia in children

There are many possible causes of myopia in children, from congenital refractive errors caused by abnormalities in the cornea’s shape to the activities children participate in.

For example, studies have shown that children who participate in activities requiring a lot of close-up sight may be at higher risk. The same activities can also speed up myopia’s progression. These activities include reading, using the computer, and writing.

How to tell if a child has myopia

Some common symptoms of myopia in children are constant squinting, inability or low awareness of distant objects, and frequent blinking. If your child tends to sit very close to screens like TVs or computers, this is also an indication that he or she may have myopia.

Get an eye screening and early diagnosis for your child

If you suspect that your child has myopia, bring them in for an eye screening. Our eye doctors can help diagnose the condition and identify the next steps to take.

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Early myopia detection – the key to preventing deterioration

It is critical to treat poor vision in children because of the many complications that may arise from ignoring eye issues early on. For instance, conditions like amblyopia or lazy eye are more likely to develop when poor vision is not addressed from childhood.

The earlier myopia is detected and managed, the less it can negatively affect the child’s quality of life. Myopia can make certain activities more difficult, like reading words on a whiteboard at school.

Managing myopia in children

The main method of managing myopia in children is through prescription eyedrops. Atropine 0.01% (also called atropine eyedrops) can be used to control myopia progression.

Some studies have even found the eyedrops to slow it by as much as 50-60% over a 2-year period. Most children on these low-dosage eyedrops also exhibited fewer side effects and did not require tinted or reading glasses afterwards.

An eye examination is required to assess a child’s suitability for this treatment. Follow-up examinations are also necessary to monitor the condition.

Ensure your child gets screened for myopia as early as possible

Not all children may have myopia, but the condition’s prevalence among Singaporean youth means that most children here might. Book a consultation for your child today so we can check and examine your treatment options as soon as possible.

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