Prevention

How Simple Habits Can Safeguard Your Child’s Eyes from Myopia

Protecting Your Child’s Vision Starts Today

A Growing Concern for Parents

Did you know that Singapore has one of the highest rates of myopia in the world, with 60% of children developing myopia by primary school!1-4 The good news? Myopia isn't just something you "get", it's something you can manage or slow down with the right habits.

Why Prevention Matters

Myopia may start young and progresses quickly, especially with increased screen time and limited outdoor play. If left unchecked, high myopia can lead to more serious eye problems like retinal detachment, glaucoma or myopic macular degeneration that may result in permanent visual impairment. That's why prevention is more than just an option, it's essential.

The Problem: What are the Risk Factors for Myopia Progression?

1. Excessive Screen Time: Tablets, phones, and computers strain young eyes, encouraging elongation of the eyeball.

2. Lack of Outdoor Play: Natural light plays a crucial role in regulating eye growth. Children who spend less time outdoors face higher myopia.

3. Genetic Predisposition: If one or both parents are nearsighted, the likelihood of their child developing myopia increases significantly.

4. Poor Visual Habits: Reading in dim light, holding screens too close, and prolonged near-work without breaks contribute to eye strain which may worsen myopia..

   
   

Why It Matters: Early prevention can significantly help slow or even halt the progression of myopia, ensuring healthier vision throughout life.

The Solution: Simple Steps for Stronger Vision

1. Outdoor Play: Prevention is better than cure!

   • Aim for at least 2 hours of outdoor play daily.

   • Even weekend park visits strolls or after-school play can make a difference.

2. Screen Time Limits: Balance Is Key

   • Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Take frequent breaks! For 20 minutes of near work, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

   • For children 18 months to 6 years old, limit recreational screen time to an hour or less daily. From 7 to 12 years of age, limit screen time to less than 2 hours daily outside of school work.

3. Healthy Habits: Setting the Right Environment

   • Ensure proper lighting while reading or studying.

   • Encourage kids to hold books or devices at least 30 cm away (Or at elbow length) from their eyes.

4. Regular Eye Screenings: Catching It Early

   • Bi-Annual vision checks can identify early signs of myopia before it worsens.

Tip: Prevention works best when it's part of everyday life. Small changes, big results.

Take Action Today: Book a Vision Screening

The best prevention starts with awareness. Schedule a Preliminary Vision Screening with Straits Myopia Services. Our team can assess your child's current eye health and recommend personalised prevention strategies.

Book a Screening Now and give your child the gift of clear vision for life.