Myopia is the leading cause of visual impairment in Singapore. Statistics indicate that 65% of children are myopic by the time they complete Primary 6, and this rate increases to 83% among young adults. If the current trajectory continues, projections suggest that by 2050, 80-90% of adults over the age of 18 will be myopic, with 15-25% suffering from high myopia, defined as having more than -6.0 dioptres. (cite https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/speech-by-dr-lam-pin-min-senior-minister-of-state-for-health-at-the-opening-of-the-singapore-national-eye-centre-s-myopia-centre-16-august-2019/)
With the increasing use of digital devices and the growing need for digital literacy, ensuring good eye health in children has become more critical than ever. Promoting regular eye check-ups, healthy screen habits, and outdoor activities is essential in protecting their vision.
Myopia occurs when the eyeball elongates, causing light to focus incorrectly on the retina, which results in blurry vision when looking at distant objects. This condition often begins in childhood and can even be observed in infancy. Detecting myopia early is crucial, as timely intervention can slow its progression, preserve visual acuity, and prevent complications associated with severe myopia. Early management is essential to reduce the risks of developing conditions linked to high myopia later in life.
In the long term, high degrees of myopia significantly increase the risk of developing serious eye conditions that can potentially lead to blindness. Some of the most common complications include retinal detachment, epiretinal membrane, macular hole, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and an increased likelihood of developing cataracts earlier in life. Studies have shown that as the degree of myopia worsens, the risk of these conditions also rises. This is why managing myopia, especially in its early stages, is critical in preventing severe visual impairment later in life.
Myopia is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, with genetics playing a significant role. Research indicates that if one parent has myopia, a child’s risk is about three times higher than that of children with non-myopic parents. If both parents are myopic, the risk more than doubles, making it 5 to 7.79 times higher. (cite https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/18/6062) Environmental factors such as prolonged near work, excessive digital screen use and limited outdoor time have all found to be associated with higher risk of developing myopia.
Blurred vision can lead to squinting, repeated eye rubbing or excessive blinking. The child may also habitually move closer to the television while watching.
Being on the alert for these behaviours can help detect myopia development early and allow for timely management and treatment for your child. Contact your eye doctor or specialist for an eye examination if you should spot the above symptoms and behaviours in your little one.
Studies have shown that prescription eye drops are able to slow down the progression of myopia by approximately half! This is substantial considering if a child had the genetic predisposition to be ‘1000 degrees’ myopic, prescription eye drops could potentially reduce that to half at ‘500 degrees’. This difference is significant as it could mean saving your child from the complications of Myopia degeneration in future.
Once myopia is diagnosed and deemed as medically necessary to treat, the eye doctor may prescribe eye drops to slow its progression. In Singapore, these eye drops are only available through a doctor’s prescription.
Historically, these eye drops were administered safely at higher concentrations, such as 1% and 0.125%, with common side effects such as light sensitivity (glare) and difficulty focusing on close objects. Today, we use much lower concentration of 0.01% and 0.05%, which are just as effective in preventing myopia progression, without any unwanted side effects. This provides a comfortable experience for children while maintaining its efficacy in controlling myopia.
It’s crucial to have your child assessed by an eye specialist before considering prescription eye drops for myopia management, as not all children may be suitable candidates for this treatment. Always consult closely with your eye doctor or specialist and avoid self-medicating or making decisions without professional guidance.
At Asia Retina, we take great pride in providing top-quality eye care for the next generation, ensuring your child’s vision is managed with the latest and most effective treatments.
