Myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness or near-sightedness, occurs when the eyeball is too long, or the cornea is too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina, instead of focusing directly on it. Nearby objects can be seen clearly, but the vision is blurred when viewing objects in the distance.
You can recognise it when your child complains about eye strain or if they squint. The progression of myopia can lead to high myopia and, in turn, increase the risk of other eye problems in future such as glaucoma.
For myopic children, especially, it is essential that they get the best treatment for their eyes through early intervention. The prevalence of myopia progression is an increasing problem that highlights the need for myopia control in the form of corrective lenses, not just in Singapore but also globally.
In Asia, almost 90% of young people develop myopia before the age of 20.2
To address the progression of myopia of your child, ZEISS has developed the most comprehensive myopia control spectacle lens portfolio. Specially designed for children aged 6 to 12 years old, these prescription spectacles make controlling myopia easy, improving their outlook on life by extensive degrees.
These myopia control lenses provide uncompromised distance vision and can also help to manage myopia progression compared to standard single vision lenses, without side effects. For overall protection, the ZEISS Myopia Management Lens Solutions also include full UV protection against harmful sun rays.
Both these Myopia control lenses are specific to efficient myopia management. The ZEISS MyoVision Pro is a single vision lens that is customised to match your child’s lifestyle needs and eye anatomy to offer clear distance vision. The ZEISS MyoKids innovative lenses help control myopia progression by reducing eyestrain, supporting near vision tasks, and facilitating clear distant vision.
Aside from choosing the right myopia control solution, there are many ways you can contribute to your child’s eye health. Here are some recommendations which will help manage the progression of myopia.
Support outdoor activities
Studies show that children who are active outdoors have a lower risk and progression of myopia. Spending a minimum of 2 to 3 hours a day outdoors is thus recommended.
Remember UV protection
Wear a cap and protect your child’s eyes from UV light when participating in outdoor activities.
Keep digital devices at a distance
Proper distance from digital devices and an upright body posture are good for their backs and eyes.
Ensure your child takes breaks
When partaking in close-distanced visual tasks, such as reading and computing, it is important to take a break after continuous strained work. This break should be used to look at objects as far away as possible.
Provide healthy food
Nutrients influence the proper development of the visual system.
Let them get enough sleep
Sleep is important for the restoration of body and neural energy. Too little sleep leads to excessive fatigue and places stress on all daily activities, including vision.
Turn on the light
Good lighting is essential for all activities, from reading to learning to playing. Always make sure that your child is in a well-lit area; natural light is especially recommended.
