Short-sightedness, or myopia, is becoming so common in Singapore that it almost seems like a rite of passage. If you are reading this with your glasses or contact lenses on, you’re not alone. In fact, about 65% of Primary 6 students in Singapore are myopic. That’s nearly 2 out of 3 kids! But why is myopia so rampant here?
In this article, let’s dive into the real causes behind this eye epidemic, some you might already know—and others you might not have considered.
What Is Myopia?
Let’s start with the basics.
Myopia is a condition where you can see nearby objects clearly, but distant ones appear blurry. It happens because the eyeball is too long, or the cornea is too curved, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of on it.
Children with myopia might:
Squint to see distant objects
Sit too close to the TV or hold books very near
Complain of headaches or tired eyes
Underperform in sports or classroom activities that involve seeing from a distance
Is Myopia Really That Serious?
You might think, “It’s just glasses, right?” But high myopia—where your prescription is -5.00 or worse—can be more than just an inconvenience.
High myopia increases your risk for:
Retinal detachment
Myopic macular degeneration
Glaucoma
Cataracts
So, the earlier myopia starts, the more likely it will progress to a high level. This is why we need to look deeper into what’s causing this surge in Singapore.
The Big Picture: Why Singapore?
Singapore is one of the most developed and urbanised nations in Asia. And while we take pride in our modern lifestyle and academic excellence, these very traits could be contributing to our children’s myopia.
Here’s why.
1. Intense Academic Pressure
In Singapore, academic success is highly valued. Long study hours, tuition classes, and endless assessments have become the norm—even for young kids.
The downside? More near work.
Near work includes:
- Reading
- Writing
- Doing homework
- Using smartphones and tablets
When the eyes focus on close objects for extended periods without a break, it leads to eye strain and encourages the eye to elongate—one of the main causes of myopia.
2. Too Much Screen Time
We live in a digital age. From online learning to mobile games and YouTube videos, kids are exposed to screens more than ever before.
But did you know?
When we look at screens:
- Our blink rate drops by almost half
- Our eyes don’t get a break from focusing on near distances
- We often sit too close, especially with tablets and phones
All of these habits contribute to the development and progression of myopia.
3. Not Enough Outdoor Time
This is one of the most overlooked causes of myopia.
Studies have shown that sunlight helps to prevent myopia. How? Exposure to natural light helps to release dopamine in the retina, which slows down eye growth.
But children in Singapore spend less time outdoors due to:
- Hot and humid weather
- Academic commitments
- Safety concerns
- Preference for indoor entertainment
On average, Singaporean kids spend just 30 minutes to 1 hour outdoors per day. The recommended minimum is at least 2 hours daily.
4. Urban Living
Living in high-rise buildings and spending most of our time indoors also means we lack exposure to distant viewing.
Think about it.
When was the last time your child looked out into an open field or stared at the clouds?
Constantly being indoors reduces the opportunity for the eyes to relax and look at faraway objects. This contributes to prolonged near work and increases the risk of myopia.
5. Genetics
If one or both parents are myopic, the chances of their children developing myopia are significantly higher.
However, genetics alone can’t explain the sudden spike in cases. After all, genes don’t change within a single generation. Environmental factors play a much bigger role in today’s myopia epidemic.
6. Lack of Regular Eye Checks
Many parents wait until their children start squinting or complaining before bringing them for an eye exam.
But children don’t always realise they can’t see well. They may assume everyone sees the world the same way they do.
That’s why early detection is key.
Regular eye checks can help identify vision problems before they worsen. In some cases, early intervention can slow down myopia progression significantly.
7. Poor Lighting Conditions
Reading in dim light doesn’t directly cause myopia, but it can lead to eye strain. When the lighting is poor, the eyes work harder to focus. Over time, this contributes to fatigue and may worsen existing vision problems.
Ensure your child has proper lighting when reading or doing homework. Natural light is best, but if that’s not possible, a good desk lamp is a must.
8. Improper Reading Habits
Children often read with their books too close to their faces or lie down while reading. These bad habits increase the eye’s focusing effort and may contribute to myopia over time.
As a guide, books and screens should be kept at least 30 to 40cm away from the eyes. You can teach your child the “elbow rule”: keep the book or screen at least an arm’s length away.
Myopia Control: What You Can Do
Thankfully, there are steps parents and caregivers can take to manage and even slow down the progression of myopia.
1. Encourage More Outdoor Time
Make it a goal to spend at least 2 hours a day outdoors.
Try:
- Evening walks after dinner
- Cycling at the park
- Weekend family outings
- Outdoor sports like badminton, football or frisbee
The key is consistent and regular exposure to natural sunlight.
2. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
After every 20 minutes of near work, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
It’s a simple yet effective way to give the eyes a break and reduce strain.
3. Limit Screen Time
Use screen time wisely. Set limits based on your child’s age:
For kids under 6 years: Less than 1 hour/day
For older kids: No more than 2 hours/day
Encourage “screen-free” zones like during meals or before bedtime.
4. Consider Myopia Control Treatments
If your child already has myopia, consult your optometrist about myopia control options like:
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses: Special lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea
Atropine eye drops: Low-dose drops proven to slow down myopia progression
Multifocal glasses or contact lenses: Help to reduce eye strain and slow eye elongation
These options are not cures, but they can make a big difference in reducing long-term eye health risks.
5. Get Regular Eye Checks
Children should have their eyes checked:
At 6 months
At 3 years
At 5 years
Yearly after that
Early detection is the best prevention
Final Thoughts
Myopia may be common in Singapore, but it’s not something we should ignore. It affects more than just vision, it can impact a child’s confidence, academic performance, and long-term eye health.
Let’s not wait until it gets worse.
Be proactive. Take steps early. Small changes in your child’s daily routine—like more outdoor play, less screen time, and regular eye checks—can go a long way.
Need Help With Your Child's Eyes?
If you’re concerned about your child’s vision or want to explore myopia control options, don’t wait.
Our friendly optometrists at United Optometrist are here to help.
United Optometrist @ Square 2 (Novena MRT🚇)
⏰ Mon-Sun 11.30am – 8pm
📲 WhatsApp us
📞 63976885
United Eyecare @ Boon Keng MRT🚇
⏰ Mon-Sun 10.30am – 7.30pm
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📞 62978298
