Childhood Myopia Control in Singapore

Myopia (short-sightedness) is becoming increasingly common among children worldwide. In myopia, distant objects appear blurry because the eye grows longer than normal, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

For many children, myopia gradually worsens each year during their growing years. Myopia control treatments aim to slow the progression of myopia and reduce the risk of developing high myopia later in life.

At The Eye Clinic, we provide evidence-based treatments and regular monitoring to help manage myopia progression in children.

Why Myopia Control Is Important

Myopia is more than just needing stronger glasses every year.

When myopia increases significantly, the eye becomes longer. Higher levels of myopia are associated with increased lifetime risk of eye diseases such as:

• Retinal detachment

• Myopic macular degeneration

• Glaucoma

Because the eyes grow most rapidly during childhood, early intervention is important to slow progression and protect long-term eye health.

What Causes Myopia in Children?

Myopia develops due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Common risk factors include:

Family history
Children with one or both parents who are myopic have a higher risk.

Intensive near work
Extended time reading or using digital devices may contribute to myopia development.

Limited outdoor time
Research suggests children who spend more time outdoors may have a lower risk of developing myopia.

Because every child’s eyes grow differently, regular eye examinations are important for early detection.

What Is Myopia Control?

Myopia control refers to treatments designed to slow down the progression of myopia while the eyes are still growing.

Research has shown that several treatments can help reduce the rate of myopia progression in children, including:

• Atropine eye drops

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) contact lenses

• Specially designed myopia control lenses

Studies show that treatments such as atropine and orthokeratology can significantly slow the elongation of the eye compared with no treatment. (PubMed)

Myopia Control Treatments for Children

Different treatments may be recommended depending on the child’s age, lifestyle, and rate of myopia progression.

Atropine Eye Drops

Low-dose atropine eye drops are commonly used to slow the progression of myopia in children.

These drops are usually applied once daily at night. Low concentrations are used to minimize side effects while still helping to slow eye growth.

Possible side effects may include:

• Mild light sensitivity

• Slight pupil enlargement

• Temporary near-vision blur

Most children tolerate low-dose atropine well when monitored by an eye doctor.

Learn more:
Atropine Eye Drops for Myopia Control

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology involves specially designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight.

These lenses gently reshape the cornea while the child sleeps so that they can see clearly during the day without glasses.

Ortho-K lenses also help slow myopia progression by altering how light focuses on the retina. Studies show orthokeratology can slow myopia progression by around 50% compared with regular glasses.

Learn more:
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Treatment

Combination Treatments

Dr Cheryl Lee recommends combining treatments such as low-dose atropine and orthokeratology in the initial stages until the OK stabilises the vision.

Research suggests combination therapy may slow myopia progression more effectively for some children than using a single treatment alone.

Your eye doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your child’s needs.

Lifestyle Habits That Help Slow Myopia

In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle habits may support healthy eye development. Dr Cheryl Lee will help you with implementing good eye habits

Encourage outdoor time

Spending time outdoors each day has been associated with a lower risk of developing myopia. One hour for myopes , 2 hours for the perfect sighted

Manage screen and near work

Encourage regular breaks during reading or digital device use.20 minutes near and then 20 minutes far , not 20 seconds.

Maintain regular eye examinations

Monitoring eye growth allows early detection of rapid progression.Dr Cheryl Lee checks every child from age 4.

When Should Children Start Myopia Control?

Dr Cheryl Lee has extensive experience in controlling myopia and has good results with her patients. Dr Lee would start Myopia control when:

• The moment a child’s myopia is detected.

Early treatment is often more effective because myopia progresses most rapidly during childhood age 4-11 years.

How Is Myopia Progression Monitored?

Regular eye examinations are essential during myopia control treatment.

These visits may include:

• Vision testing

• Measurement of prescription changes

• Monitoring of eye growth (axial length)

Tracking these changes allows treatment to be adjusted if needed.

Myopia Control Consultation

If your child’s glasses prescription is increasing every year, myopia control treatment may help slow progression.

A consultation can help determine:

• How quickly your child’s myopia is progressing

• Which treatment options may be appropriate

• How often monitoring is required

Early intervention can help protect your child’s long-term eye health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can myopia be cured?

Myopia cannot currently be cured, but treatments can help slow how quickly it worsens.

Will my child still need glasses?

Yes. Most children will still need glasses or contact lenses for clear vision, even while undergoing myopia control treatment.

How long does treatment last?

Myopia control treatments are typically continued while the eyes are still growing, often until the teenage years.