Nearsightedness, or myopia, is becoming increasingly common among children in Singapore. If you’re a parent, you’ve probably heard this term before, maybe from your child’s teacher, during a school health check, or at an eye exam. But why is this happening, and more importantly, what can we do about it?
This article is for every parent who’s concerned about their child’s eye health. We’ll talk about what myopia is, why it’s on the rise in Singapore, and most importantly, practical and easy steps you can take to help slow it down.
What is Myopia?
Myopia is a vision condition where your child can see things up close clearly but has trouble seeing things that are far away. For example, they may have no problem reading a book but will struggle to see the whiteboard in class.
This happens when the eyeball is too long or the cornea (the clear front cover of the eye) is too curved. Because of this, the light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. The result? Blurry distance vision.
Why Is Myopia Rising in Singapore?
Singapore has one of the highest rates of myopia in the world. In fact, studies show that 65% of children in Primary 6 are myopic, and by the time they reach adulthood, 80% of Singaporeans are affected.
But why is it happening so much here?
Let’s break down the reasons.
1. Too Much Screen Time
Children today are growing up in a digital world. From smartphones and tablets to laptops and online learning, they are spending more time than ever in front of screens. When children focus on something up close for long periods without a break, it puts strain on their eyes. Over time, this increases the risk of myopia.
And it’s not just gadgets, reading books too closely or spending too much time doing homework without breaks can have the same effect.
2. Not Enough Time Outdoors
Our eyes are not meant to focus only on near objects. Studies show that children who spend more time outdoors have a lower risk of developing myopia. Natural sunlight and looking at distant objects help to regulate eye growth.
Unfortunately, many children in Singapore are spending more time indoors, especially after the pandemic, with fewer opportunities to play outside.
3. Genetics
If one or both parents have myopia, the chances are higher that their child will develop it too. While you can’t change your genes, you can slow down how fast myopia progresses.
4. Urban Lifestyle
Our compact city life, with high-rise living and a fast-paced academic culture, may also play a role. Children here are often encouraged to study hard from a young age, sometimes at the expense of outdoor play.
Signs Your Child Might Have Myopia
Kids don’t always know they have a vision problem. They may think everyone sees the same way they do. That’s why it’s important for parents to look out for signs like:
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding a book very near
- Complaining of headaches or eye strain
- Squinting to see the board at school
- Poor performance in school
- Avoiding activities that require good distance vision, like sports
How You Can Help Slow Down Myopia in Your Child?
The good news? There are many things you can do to help protect your child’s vision and slow down the progression of myopia.
Let’s go through them.
1. Reduce Screen Time
Limiting screen time is one of the most effective ways to reduce eye strain and prevent myopia from getting worse. The World Health Organization recommends:
- Below 2 years old: No screen time at all
- 2–5 years old: Less than 1 hour a day
- 6–12 years old: Up to 2 hours a day (excluding schoolwork)
But we know it’s not always easy. So here are some practical tips:
- Set screen-free zones at home (like the dining table or bedroom)
- Encourage breaks during online learning
- Use a timer to remind kids to rest their eyes every 20 minutes
2. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Teach your child this simple rule: For every 20 minutes of near work, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
This gives the eyes a break and helps reduce eye fatigue.
You can even turn this into a game—set a timer and ask your child what they see out the window every 20 minutes.
3. Practice the “Elbow Rule”
Encourage your child to keep reading materials at a proper distance—about 30 to 40 cm from the eyes. This is also known as the “elbow rule”: the distance between your middle knuckle and your elbow.
Avoid reading while lying down or in a moving vehicle. These habits can strain the eyes.
4. Encourage More Outdoor Time
Children should spend at least 2 hours a day outdoors. Time in the sun helps release dopamine in the eyes, which is believed to slow down eye growth (a key factor in myopia).
This doesn’t mean you have to plan a big outing every day. A trip to the playground, cycling at East Coast Park, or even just playing downstairs after dinner makes a difference.
5. Get Regular Eye Checks
Many children don’t realise they have blurry vision, and myopia can progress quickly without early detection.
Eye checks should start as early as 6 months old and continue once a year. If there’s a family history of myopia or if your child is already wearing glasses, the check-ups may need to be more frequent.
Early detection allows for early intervention—this can slow down how fast the myopia gets worse.
6. Consider Myopia Control Options
If your child is already myopic, don’t worry. There are treatments available that can help slow its progression.
Here are some of the most effective options available in Singapore:
a. Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine drops (usually 0.01% to 0.05%) are prescribed to be used nightly. Studies have shown they can significantly slow down the progression of myopia.
They are safe and commonly used in Singapore. However, they need to be prescribed and monitored by an eye doctor.
b. Myopia Control Lenses
Special lenses such as MiyoSmart or Stellest are designed to slow down myopia progression. They look just like regular glasses but have special zones that help control how the light enters the eye.
These lenses are gaining popularity in Singapore and are a good option for children who don’t want to use eye drops.
c. Ortho-K (Orthokeratology)
Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight and gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. In the morning, they remove the lenses and can see clearly without glasses during the day.
It’s like temporary LASIK for kids, and it’s safe and reversible. Ortho-K also helps slow down myopia progression.
Final Thoughts
We may not be able to stop myopia entirely, especially with our modern lifestyle and academic demands. But the good news is that we can slow it down and manage it effectively.
As parents in Singapore, we have access to excellent optometry services, schools that support eye health education, and a growing range of myopia control options.
Start by making small changes at home. Limit screen time. Encourage outdoor play. Make regular eye check-ups a habit. And most importantly, talk to your child about the importance of good vision habits.
Their future depends on it.
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 Eyecare 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
📲 WhatsApp us
📞 62978298
