Myopia (Short-sightedness)

The facts and myths of myopia are distinguished in the table below.

FACTS MYTHS (Untruths)

Myopia is worsening in Singapore Myopia is reduced by avoiding the use of

Currently about 10% of primary 1, 60% of
primary 6, and 80% of 18 year olds are
myopic. These figures continue to increase
over time.
Myopia is more common in those who do
more near work
Studies show that children who read more
books per week have an increased risk of
myopia.
True myopia is irreversible
Myopia increases as the eyeball grows. Once
the eyeball has grown, it will not get smaller.
Myopia increases with age
Myopia often becomes evident in primary
school years, and increases at about 1.00 -
1.50D till the age of 11 - 12 years, and
stabilizes in the mid-teens or early 20s.
glasses, reducing the power of glasses,
by contact lens wear, use of bifocal
spectacles, intake of dietary supplements
including vitamin A, through eye
exercises, accupressure and vision
training devices.
The truth is there is no conclusive scientific
evidence that these modalities are effective in
preventing myopia progression.
Myopic children should have laser
surgery
Refractive procedures such as LASIK should
generally only be performed in adults after
myopia has fully stabilised and are generally
contraindicated in children.

Atropine eye drops decrease the rate of

myopic progression
Studies show that atropine is effective in
controlling myopic progression. Short-term, it
is quite safe. However, because long-term
effects are unknown, this medication is
reserved for those children whose myopia is
rapidly increasing. That said, doctors at SNEC,
in conjunction with Singapore Eye Research
Institute (SERI), continue to work to
determine if atropine (administered
differently) or other modes of treatment will
help provide safe and effective means of
retarding myopia progression.

Singapore has had a National Myopia Prevention Programme run by the Health Promotion
Board (HPB) for several years now. Their recommendations for myopia prevention, which we
support, are as follows:
• When reading, place the book 30 cm away and ensure that there is sufficient lighting
• When watching television, sit at least 2-3 m away ensuring there is some background
lighting
• After 30-40 minutes of close work, rest your eyes by looking at a distant object (e.g., out
of the window) for 2-3 minutes
• Encourage daily outdoor activities
• Encourage your child to sleep early

• Maintain a healthy balanced diet