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Treatment Of Childhood Myopia And Diseases
What Is Childhood Myopia?
Short sightedness or myopia is the inability to see distant objects clearly without presciption glasses or contact lenses. It is a serious health care issue in Singapore with over 80 % of the population suffering from the condition.
In general, it is due to the elongation of the eyeball resulting in light rays focussing in front of the retina. It usually starts in childhood and stabilizes in the 20s.
It can be associated with other eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma and retinal detachment. No one really knows the exact cause of myopia but it is thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
It is thought that risk factors include excessive near work, a family history of myopia and insufficient time spent outdoors. The ATOM 1 & 2 (Atropine Treatment of Myopia) trials in Singapore showed that low dose Atropine 0.01% eyedrops reduced the progression of myopia by 60% without having any side effects like glare, photophobia and near visual blur.
Myopia Control Options We Offer
Several approaches can help slow the progression of myopia in children. The right option depends on your child’s age, degree of myopia, and lifestyle, and is best confirmed during an eye assessment.
Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
A once-nightly eye drop shown in Singapore’s ATOM 1 and ATOM 2 trials to reduce myopia progression by up to 60%, without the glare, light sensitivity or near-vision blur seen with higher-strength formulations.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Specially designed contact lenses worn overnight that temporarily reshape the cornea, reducing dependence on daytime glasses while also helping to slow myopia progression.
Myopia Control Lenses
Spectacle lenses with a specialised optical design that can slow myopia progression while correcting your child’s vision, offering a non-invasive option for younger children.
Is Myopia Control Right for My Child?
If your child’s eyesight has been getting worse each year, or you’ve noticed them squinting at the whiteboard or holding books close to their face, it’s worth having their eyes assessed. Starting myopia control early — while the eyes are still developing — gives these treatments the best chance to slow progression. Our eye doctor will assess your child’s degree of myopia and recommend the most suitable option for their age and lifestyle.
Book a Myopia Assessment
Concerned about your child’s eyesight? Contact Nova Eye Centre to arrange a myopia assessment with our eye doctor and discuss which control option may suit your child. [→ contact-us]
Frequently Asked Questions
Does myopia control actually work?
Clinical trials, including Singapore’s own ATOM 1 and ATOM 2 studies, have shown that options like low-dose atropine can meaningfully slow the rate at which a child’s myopia worsens. Results vary between individuals, and your eye doctor can advise on realistic expectations for your child.
At what age should myopia control start?
Myopia control is generally most effective when started early, often once a child is first diagnosed as myopic — commonly between ages 6 and 12 — though your eye doctor can advise based on your child’s specific situation.
Can adults use myopia control treatments?
Myopia control is primarily used for children and teenagers, whose eyes are still growing. Adults with stable myopia may instead be suitable for laser vision correction — [speak to our team about your options →]