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Kids from our parents’ generation spent time shooting marbles outdoors while kids these days shoot targets on mobile games indoors. That’s why more kids from our generation are wearing spectacles.
The above correlation may be more than hypothetical. According to <a href="https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/outdoors-2-hours-day-keeps-myopia-away-some-singapore-parents-say-no-way" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Associate Professor Audrey Chia, a senior consultant ophthalmologist</a>, only 30% to 40% of Singapore residents born in the 1930s to 1950s have myopia, while 83% of our young adults today have the condition.
<h2>Impact of Modern Lifestyle on Childhood Myopia</h2>
While genetic factors are also <a href="https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.snec.com.sg%2Fpatient-care%2Fconditionstreatments%2Feye-conditions-brochures%2FDocuments%2FEN_Childhood%2520Myopia.pdf&amp;data=05%7C01%7Csheryl.yap%40ext.essilor.com%7C7f102a2d8270444e70d108db4faef02d%7Cc7d1a8f705464a0c8cf53ddaebf97d51%7C0%7C0%7C638191385045293092%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=pI6WzHQsK4%2BXpTPzjIxULoJsaX2s6q1q0oCMpIdghr8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">proven</a> to be a risk factor by SNEC,  <a href="https://www.snec.com.sg/research-innovation/research-groups-platforms/research-groups/myopia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">research</a> done by the Myopia Research Group points to environmental factors and changing lifestyle habits as possible contributors to an increasing incidence of myopia among our children in Singapore:
<ol>
<li>
<h3>Lack of outdoor activity</h3>
Levels of light intensity, chromatics and frequency may be factors contributing to myopia. <a href="https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2212760" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Experiments in chicks</a> showed that daily exposure to bright light (15,000 lux) retards the development of form-deprivation myopia (FDM) by roughly 60%. 
According to a 2015 World Health Organisation (WHO) <a href="https://www.who.int/blindness/causes/MyopiaReportforWeb.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">report</a>, the risk of myopia was reduced in children who spent more than two hours a day outdoors, even when they had two myopic parents and continued to perform near work. And when children spend more time indoors, <a href="https://www.snec.com.sg/news/tomorrows-medicine/reduced-time-outdoors-due-to-covid-19-could-aggravate-myopia-in-some-experts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">experts</a> believe myopia rates tend to go up. 
</li>
<li>
<h3>Increased near work 
</h3>
Reading, writing and the use of digital screens – possibly the most concerning form of near work –which can put a strain on the eyes.
An <a href="https://reviewofmm.com/what-does-science-say-about-screen-time-and-childhood-myopia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">article</a> published by the Review of Myopia Management cited studies done in India that showed the risk of myopia was eight times higher with more than two hours per day of mobile game screen time compared to zero to two hours per day. Myopia was also more prevalent in Irish children who used smartphones for more than 3 hours per day (20.3%) compared to those with less than 1 hour per day (8.3%).
Slightly a year after Singapore entered into a COVID-19 circuit breaker, The Straits Times similarly <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/life/myopia-rising-among-kids-here-as-screen-time-goes-up-during-the-pandemic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> about incidences of myopia going up as screen time among kids in Singapore increased.</li>
<li>
<h3>Strong emphasis on academic studies</h3>
The correlation between academic achievement and myopia has been explored by National University of Singapore <a href="https://bjo.bmj.com/content/85/7/855" target="_blank" rel="noopener">researchers</a>. Because studying involves a lot of near work, they concluded that those who had more advanced education (e.g. gifted or express streams) and received more supplemental tuition, is repeatedly associated with greater myopia prevalence.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Tips to Protect Your Child’s Eyes </h2>
It is important to try to limit your child’s daily screen time or ask them to take breaks every 30 to 40 minutes to look at something far, or even better, engage in an outdoor activity. Make sure your child keeps a comfortable distance between a book or screen when reading and that the environment is well-lit to prevent eye strain.
<h2>Slow Down Myopia Progression Early</h2>
Besides maintaining good eye habits, visit your nearest eye care provider for a thorough eye check, which can uncover eye problems, such as with visual acuity (vision sharpness) and to explore a suitable myopia management solution for your child if he or she is found to be myopic.
Rather than simply correcting myopia with single-vision lenses, opt for myopia management spectacle lens that can prevent eye elongation – the cause for worsening myopia that potentially leads to more serious eye conditions later in life.
Essilor® Stellest® Lenses have been clinically proven to slow down myopia progression by 67% on average compared to single vision lenses, when worn at least 12 hours a day<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">[1]</a>.
Using &#8220;H.A.L.T*&#8221; technology &#8211; Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target &#8211; Essilor® Stellest® Lenses are made up of a cutting-edge constellation of 1021 invisible** lenslets, which creates a volume of signal in the child’s eye acting as a shield against eye elongation. They are comfortable and easy to adapt for children, with no compromises:
Learn more about Essilor® Stellest® Lenses <a href="https://www.essilor.com.sg/products/stellest?utm_source=kiasu-parents&amp;utm_medium=other-channel-other-asset-format-reach-core-prospecting-stellest&amp;utm_campaign=stellest-stellest-article:-3-lifestyle-habits-that-may-worsen-your-child’s-myopia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> or find an Essilor Expert near you today <a href="https://www.essilor.com.sg/store-locator#/result?address=singapore&amp;currentPage=1&amp;lang=en-sg&amp;lat=1.352083&amp;long=103.819836&amp;miles=10&amp;unitOfMeasurement=KM&amp;filteredSearch=1&amp;Distance=30&amp;Filters=MYOPIA&amp;utm_source=kiasu-parents&amp;utm_medium=other-channel-other-asset-format-reach-core-prospecting-stellest&amp;utm_campaign=stellest-stellest-article:-3-lifestyle-habits-that-may-worsen-your-child’s-myopia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
&nbsp;
&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;
<h6><a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">[1]</a> Compared to single vision lenses, when worn 12 hours a day. Two-year prospective, controlled, randomized, double-masked clinical trial results on 54 myopic children wearing Stellest® lenses compared to 50 myopic children wearing single vision lenses. Efficacy results based on 32 children who declared wearing Stellest® lenses at least 12 hours per day every day. Bao J. et al. (2021). Myopia control with spectacle lenses with aspherical lenslets: a 2-year randomized clinical trial. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.; 62(8):2888.<a href="#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2"></a></h6>
<h6>* Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target 
** Aesthetic finish</h6>
<h6> </h6>

3 Lifestyle Habits That May Worsen Your Child’s Myopia

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Modern lifestyles, especially increased digital screen time, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have seen kids in Singapore spending more time indoors. This has resulted in more kids needing spectacles from a younger age and some needing to change their lenses more frequently, according to some eye care professionals interviewed in <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/life/myopia-rising-among-kids-here-as-screen-time-goes-up-during-the-pandemic">this Straits Times article</a>.
Take Action to Slow Down Your Child’s Myopia
In Singapore, <a href="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#:~:text=As%20such%2C%20Singapore%20is%20often,individuals%20may%20have%20high%20myopia." target="_blank" rel="noopener">80% of our children will have myopia by 18 years old</a> and among these, 20% will have high myopia, defined as myopia of 500 degree or greater in each eye. This may lead to increased risks of sight-threatening eye conditions such as cataract, glaucoma, retinal detachment and myopic macular degeneration later in life. It is also recommended to get an eye care practitioner to perform an eye exam every six months to uncover eye problems early.
As parents, you can also play a part to help slow down your child’s myopia progression. Here are some suggestions.
<h2>#1 Ask for Myopia Management Lenses</h2>
Slowing down myopia progression is a separate issue from simply correcting myopia. Regular spectacles for short-sighted wearers – known as single-vision lens – can only correct blurred vision. They can&#8217;t prevent myopia from getting worse. In contrast, myopia management spectacle lens can help to send a slowdown signal to the eyes and act as a shield against eye elongation, which is the cause for worsening myopia.
Essilor® Stellest® Lenses have been clinically proven to slow down myopia progression by 67% on average compared to single vision lenses, when worn at least 12 hours a day<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">[1]</a>.
Using &#8220;H.A.L.T*&#8221; technology &#8211; Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target &#8211; Essilor® Stellest® Lenses are made up of a cutting-edge constellation of 1021 invisible** lenslets, , which creates a volume of signal in the child’s eye acting as a shield against eye elongation. They are comfortable and easy to adapt for children, with no compromises.<a href="#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3"></a>
Learn more about Essilor® Stellest® Lenses <a href="https://www.essilor.com.sg/products/stellest?utm_source=kiasu-parents&amp;utm_medium=other-channel-other-asset-format-reach-core-prospecting-stellest&amp;utm_campaign=stellest-stellest-article:-3-ways-to-slow-down-your-child’s-myopia-progression" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> or find an Essilor Expert near you today <a href="https://www.essilor.com.sg/store-locator#/result?address=singapore&amp;currentPage=1&amp;lang=en-sg&amp;lat=1.352083&amp;long=103.819836&amp;miles=10&amp;unitOfMeasurement=KM&amp;filteredSearch=1&amp;Distance=30&amp;Filters=MYOPIA&amp;utm_source=kiasu-parents&amp;utm_medium=other-channel-other-asset-format-reach-core-prospecting-stellest&amp;utm_campaign=stellest-stellest-article:-3-ways-to-slow-down-your-child’s-myopia-progression" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
<h2>#2 Reduce Screen Time</h2>
A <a href="https://www.snec.com.sg/research-innovation/research-groups-platforms/research-groups/myopia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a> conducted by the Singapore Eye Research Institute highlighted frequent near-work activities done with digital devices as a factor contributing to Singapore’s high myopia rate. Therefore, limit the time spent by your kids on such devices. Remember to take three- to five-minute breaks after every 30 minutes of near-work and ensure that your child is working in an area with adequate lighting to reduce eye strain.
<h2>#3 Spend more time outdoors </h2>
A <a href="https://www.who.int/blindness/causes/MyopiaReportforWeb.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2015 World Health Organisation report</a> on myopia pointed out that when children spent more than two hours a day outdoors, their risk of myopia was reduced. Take daily walks around your neighbourhood with your children, or encourage them to take up a regular outdoor sport.
&nbsp;
&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;
<h6><a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">[1]</a> Compared to single vision lenses, when worn 12 hours a day. Two-year prospective, controlled, randomized, double-masked clinical trial results on 54 myopic children wearing Stellest® lenses compared to 50 myopic children wearing single vision lenses. Efficacy results based on 32 children who declared wearing Stellest® lenses at least 12 hours per day every day. Bao J. et al. (2021). Myopia control with spectacle lenses with aspherical lenslets: a 2-year randomized clinical trial. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.; 62(8):2888.</h6>
<h6><a href="#_ftnref2" name="_ftn1"></a></h6>
<h6>* Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target 
** Aesthetic finish</h6>
<h6> </h6>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

3 Ways To Slow Down Your Child’s Myopia Progression

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Can improving one’s vision improve academic grades? Apparently so, according to this <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25249453/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">randomised controlled trial</a> done in Western China and this <a href="https://www.newswise.com/articles/eyeglasses-for-school-kids-boosts-academic-performance" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3-year clinical study</a> done in the United States. Both showed students&#8217; math scores improving significantly after they corrected their visual acuity.
The vision of a child is at the heart of his development, with over 80% of childhood learning being done visually<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">[1]</a>. Good vision allows children to learn well, but also, to feel comfortable with others, and thrive at school.
<h2>When uncorrected, myopia can impede learning</h2>
Being short-sighted is not just an inconvenience. Myopia progression causes vision to deteriorate and also affects a child’s learning abilities and overall quality of life, such as in the following four scenarios.
<ol>
<li>If your child has blurred vision, he will have difficulty seeing what’s written on the class whiteboard, especially if his desk is further away. He may have problem keeping up with lessons and return home without jotting down any lesson notes.

</li>
<li>Falling behind in class can affect your child’s self-esteem. He may worry about getting teased by classmates if they find out that he had missed what was written on the board. Or for admitting that he can’t see when his name gets called by the teacher to read what’s written on the board.

</li>
<li>Excessive eye strain can often cause headache, which in turn, affects your child’s well-being and mood. After squinting and having difficulty to see clearly all day, your child may end up being too lethargic to do his homework when he gets home.

</li>
<li>Poor vision can impede your child’s ability to take part in sports that require distance vision or accuracy. If your child cannot gauge the distance to a basketball hoop or can never accurately trap a football that’s kicked towards him during PE lesson, he will quickly lose interest or even confidence in learning those sports.
</li>
</ol>
<h2>Slow Down Myopia Progression Early</h2>
Do not let short-sightedness interfere with your child’s learning journey. Visit your nearest eye care provider for a thorough eye check, which can uncover eye problems, such as reduced visual acuity and to explore a suitable myopia management solution for your child if he or she is found to be myopic.
Rather than simply correcting myopia with single-vision lenses, opt for myopia management spectacle lenses that can slow down eye elongation – the cause for worsening myopia that potentially leads to more serious eye conditions later in life.
Essilor® Stellest® Lenses have been clinically proven to slow down myopia progression by 67% on average compared to single vision lenses, when worn at least 12 hours a day<a href="#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2">[2]</a>.
Using &#8220;H.A.L.T*&#8221; technology &#8211; Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target &#8211; Essilor® Stellest® Lenses are made up of a cutting-edge constellation of 1021 invisible** lenslets, , which creates a volume of signal in the child’s eye acting as a shield against eye elongation. They are comfortable and easy to adapt for children, with no compromises.
Learn more about Essilor® Stellest® Lenses <a href="https://www.essilor.com.sg/products/stellest?utm_source=kiasu-parents&amp;utm_medium=other-channel-other-asset-format-reach-core-prospecting-stellest&amp;utm_campaign=stellest-stellest-article:-4-reasons-why-uncorrected-myopia-can-affect-learning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> or find an Essilor Expert near you today <a href="https://www.essilor.com.sg/store-locator#/result?address=singapore&amp;currentPage=1&amp;lang=en-sg&amp;lat=1.352083&amp;long=103.819836&amp;miles=10&amp;unitOfMeasurement=KM&amp;filteredSearch=1&amp;Distance=30&amp;Filters=MYOPIA&amp;utm_source=kiasu-parents&amp;utm_medium=other-channel-other-asset-format-reach-core-prospecting-stellest&amp;utm_campaign=stellest-stellest-article:-4-reasons-why-uncorrected-myopia-can-affect-learning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
 
&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-
<h6><a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">[1]</a> Eyeglasses for Global Development: Bridging the Visual Divide; World Economic Forum, Social Entrepreneurs, EYElliance; June 2016.</h6>
<h6><a href="#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2">[2]</a> Compared to single vision lenses, when worn 12 hours a day. Two-year prospective, controlled, randomized, double-masked clinical trial results on 54 myopic children wearing Stellest® lenses compared to 50 myopic children wearing single vision lenses. Efficacy results based on 32 children who declared wearing Stellest® lenses at least 12 hours per day every day. Bao J. et al. (2021). Myopia control with spectacle lenses with aspherical lenslets: a 2-year randomized clinical trial. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.; 62(8):2888.</h6>
<h6><a href="#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3"></a></h6>
<h6>* Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target 
** Aesthetic finish</h6>
<h6> </h6>
&nbsp;

4 Reasons Why Uncorrected Myopia Can Affect Learning

<a href="https://www.hoyavision.com/sg/what-i-need/for-spectacle-wearers/miyosmart/"><img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-84593 size-full" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/123276190_s.jpg" alt="MiyoSmart" width="848" height="565" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/123276190_s.jpg 848w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/123276190_s-800x533.jpg 800w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/123276190_s-320x213.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 848px) 100vw, 848px" /></a>
In Singapore, where the incidence of myopia is high, it’s probably more a matter of WHEN, rather than IF your child, needs a pair of glasses.
But did you know that this so-called “WHEN” can actually be delayed?
According to <a href="https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/patient-education/childhood-myopia">SingHealth</a>, 1 in 2 children will have myopia by the age of 12. Sometimes, even pre-schoolers can be seen wearing thick glasses, testament of fact that Singapore has one of the highest myopia rates in the world.
To fight this worrying trend, parents need to take steps to prevent your child from getting myopia at an early age or at least delay it from getting worse. Afterall, myopia – especially high myopia – poses a serious risk of developing various sight-threatening eye diseases later in life, such as retinal degeneration and glaucoma. 
<h2>Early signs of myopia</h2>
Myopia, or short-/near-sightedness, is a condition when the eyeball is too long or the cornea has too much curvature. This causes light rays entering the eye to focus in front of – instead of on – the retina, resulting in blurry vision.
When your child starts rubbing his eyes or squinting frequently, or has difficulty differentiating certain alphabets and numbers, that is the time to suspect the onset of myopia.
But before you make a beeline for the optician to get your child a pair of corrective lenses, do explore the options for myopia management first. While myopia can’t be reversed, a change in habits and the right method in myopia management can play a part in slowing down myopia progression.
<h2>5 suggested changes to make for the sake of children’s eyesight</h2>
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1. Increase outdoor activity participation 
A little playtime in the sun can always do a child a lot of good. And now, clinical trials mentioned in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30907857">this article</a> even suggest that outdoor activity can lower the risk of myopia onset.
Though the current COVID-19 situation may deter Singaporeans from visiting crowded places, there are still many opportunities for families to enjoy wholesome fun outdoors. For example, the coming school holidays offers a good excuse to revisit Sentosa, especially when entry to the island is free for everyone (valid from 14 to 22 March 2020). Or make time to exercise regularly with your child, whether to ride a bicycle at your neighbourhood park or walk your pet.
2. Relook your child’s bedroom layout 
Does your child like to lie down in bed to read? Such a reading position forces the eye to focus upwards and, over time, will tend to cause eye strain. So why not encourage your child to sit up and read instead? A new comfy personal armchair may do the trick! Furthermore, other changes such as decluttering the bedroom, shifting the writing desk nearer to the window or investing in a good LED desk lamp can improve the lighting in the room and make it more conducive for reading or doing homework.
3. Limit screen time and take frequent breaks 
Just as your children’s minds need a break from studying, their eyes need to take time-off from all those digital screens too. Concentrating on a computer, mobile phone or TV screen for too long will cause dry/irritated eyes and blurry vision. Therefore, it is vital to teach children good eye habits by taking frequent breaks away from small screens and other near-work activities to reduce the likelihood and progression of myopia.
4. Don’t neglect regular eye checks 
Ensuring that your child gets an eye check once a year allows you to manage any changes in his vision or risk of myopia. With early detection, myopia management measures can then be put in place to help slow down its progression.
5. Choose myopia management method instead of myopia correction method 
Traditionally, the optical store would be the first option when any issues arise with your children’s eyesight – just get their eyesight checked and then fit them with a pair of spectacles to correct their vision.
But thanks to today’s advanced technologies, parents can choose from different myopia management methods such as eye drops, contact lenses and spectacle lenses that not just help in correcting vision, but also aid in managing myopia progression.
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Just late last year, leading optical products manufacturer <a href="https://www.hoyavision.com/sg/">Hoya Lens Singapore</a> launched MiYOSMART with Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (D.I.M.S.) technology, a non-invasive type of ophthalmic lens that can significantly reduce myopia progression compared to single-vision lenses.
MiYOSMART is a single vision corrective lens with a convex surface that is comprised of hundreds of small segments, each providing myopic defocus. This lens structure makes it possible to simultaneously retard the growth of the eyeball and provide clear vision.
In simple terms, this edge-cutting technology is about controlling eye growth and projecting images on and in front of the retina at the same time to create myopic defocus inside the eyes. Clinical trials have shown that children wearing D.I.M.S. lenses had an average slowdown of myopic progression by 60%¹ compared to those wearing single-vision lenses.
&gt;&gt; Benefits of MiYOSMART
<ul>
<li>Incorporating D.I.M.S. technology, MiYOSMART is clinically proven to be effective in curbing myopia progression on average by 59%², and to slow axial eye growth by an average of 60%².

</li>
<li>Unlike the other myopia managements method (eye drops &amp; contact lens), MiYOSMART is non-invasive. It removes the need for direct contact with the eyeball and eliminates the possibility of contaminations or infections.

</li>
<li>Wearing MiYOSMART is similar to wearing any other pair of spectacles. Using polycarbonate materials makes it not only thin and light, but also impact-resistant, durable and safe for active kids.

</li>
<li>Low maintenance multi-coating that is easy to wipe and maintain is also added to MiYOSMART, making wearing spectacles less of a hassle.

</li>
<li>It is the latest, unique and innovative solution for myopia management.</li>
</ul>
As part of the Hoya myopia management programme, a complimentary pair of single-vision lenses will be provided with every pair of MiYOSMART lenses purchased. This is because Hoya understands the pains and anxieties of having spectacles being misplaced, damaged or lost during the fun of school holidays. This single-vision lenses will be a handy back-up, relieving all the inconvenience that may occur.
As an optical industry expert, who understands this issue better than Hoya?
For more information on MiYOSMART lenses, visit the website of <a href="https://www.hoyavision.com/sg/what-i-need/for-spectacle-wearers/miyosmart/">Hoya Lens</a>, <a href="https://www.polyu.edu.hk/web/en/media/media_releases/index_id_6531.html">Hong Kong Polytechnic</a><a href="https://www.polyu.edu.hk/web/en/media/media_releases/index_id_6531.html"> University</a>, and <a href="https://bjo.bmj.com/content/early/2019/05/29/bjophthalmol-2018-313739">British Journal of Ophthalmology</a>.
For an eye examination <a href="https://www.hoyavision.com/sg/find-eye-care-practitioner/">find your nearest local eyecare practitioner</a> today.
¹Myopia progression (SER) by 59% and axial elongation (AL) decreased by 60% compared with those wearing SV lenses. 
Lam CSY, Tang WC, Tse DY, Lee RPK, Chun RKM, Hasegawa K, Qi H, Hatanaka T, To CH. Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) spectacle lenses slow myopia progression: a 2-year randomised clinical trial. British Journal of Ophthalmology. Published Online First: 29 May 2019. 
²Lam CSY, Tang WC, Lee RPK, Chun RKM, To CH. A randomized clinical trial for myopia control – use of myopic defocus spectacle lens. 8th International Congress of Behavioral Optometry (ICBO), 26-29 of April 2018. Sydney, Australia.

5 Changes Parents Need To Make to Help Slow Down Your Child’s Myopia Progression

<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="/kiasu/files/file/HPB_Myopia_Frisbee_small.jpg" alt="" width="249" height="329" align="left" hspace="8" vspace="8" />1. What is myopia? 
Myopia is commonly known as &#8220;short-sightedness&#8221;. A person with myopia is able to see close objects clearly but objects that are further away will appear blurred.
2. What are the causes of myopia? 
The factors that cause the development of myopia are not clearly known. Research studies have shown that both genetic and environmental factors may contribute to myopia. It is known that if one or both parents have myopia, the risk of the child having myopia is increased. Excessive near work may also contribute to the development of myopia while outdoor play may protect against myopia.
3. Can myopia be cured? 
Currently, there is no cure for myopia. Spectacles or contact lenses are needed to correct it in order to see distant objects clearly.
Laser surgery such as LASIK does not cure myopia. The procedure shapes the cornea to act like a focusing lens. It does not treat the elongated myopic eyeball. Also, LASIK is rarely performed in children as their eyes are still developing.
4. What is near work? 
This term is used to describe visual activities performed at a close distance, where a person needs to look at or focus on fine details of an object. Examples of near work are reading, writing, using the computer, drawing/painting, sewing, doing craft work with small objects and playing hand-held games.
5. How often should my child take breaks between doing near work and what can he/she do to relax the eyes? 
  
Encourage your child to take breaks after 30 to 40 minutes of continuous near work. He/she can look at distant objects or out of a window for three to five minutes. Alternatively, encourage your child to go outdoors for activities such as ball games or simply taking a stroll in the park. These activities are beneficial to your child&#8217;s general health too. 
6. Is it necessary for my child to wear spectacles if he/she is slightly myopic? 
  
Your child should still wear corrective lens as they can help prevent him/her from squinting and straining the eyes. With the help of spectacles, light rays can fall properly on the retina to form a clearer image.
7. Will wearing spectacles all the time worsen my child&#8217;s myopic condition? 
  
No, there is no evidence that wearing spectacles worsens myopia. In fact, children younger than eight years old who have myopia should wear spectacles at all times to prevent amblyopia.  
8. Does the colour green have a soothing effect on the eyes? 
  
There is no scientific evidence that the colour green produces a soothing effect on the eyes or helps prevent myopia. 
9. Can  regular eye massages have a soothing effect on the eyes?
There is no scientific evidence that doing eye massages can help prevent myopia.
10.Some believe that washing your eyes with drops of coconut milk or any rose water will clean the eyes and prevent myopia. Is this true?
It is not recommended to administer anything in your eyes unless upon a medical professional’s advice. 
  
11. If myopia is partly hereditary, does it still help to practise good eye care habits? 
  
Yes, it is still important to practise good eye care habits to protect against and/or slow down the onset of myopia. Good eye care habits also help those who already have myopia to prevent or delay its progression.
Article contributed by <a href="http://www.hpb.gov.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Health Promotion Board</a>.
For more information on <a href="http://www.hpb.gov.sg/eye" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Myopia</a>, visit the <a href="http://www.hpb.gov.sg/eye" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Health Promotion Board website</a>.
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