Myopia in Kids: What Parents in Singapore Need to Know

House of Spectacles
Jun 23
3 min read

Singapore is often praised for being home to the world’s best airline and airport… and unfortunately, also one of the highest rates of childhood myopia. Studies show that more than 65% of children in Singapore are myopic by the time they complete primary school. The numbers continue to rise, and increasingly, children are being diagnosed as early as the age of 6. But what exactly is myopia?

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is a condition where distant objects appear blurry because light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This usually happens due to elongation of the eyeball. Myopia isn’t just about needing glasses — if left unmanaged, it can progress rapidly and significantly increase the risk of serious eye diseases later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

How Can Myopia Be Managed in Kids?

At House of Spectacles, we work with parents to provide clear, practical solutions to manage and slow down myopia progression. Here are the four main ways to help control your child’s myopia:

1. Glasses with Accurate Prescription

The most basic — yet crucial — form of management is ensuring your child wears glasses with the correct and up-to-date prescription. An inaccurate prescription can lead to eye strain, discomfort, and faster worsening of vision. We recommend regular eye checks (every 6 to 12 months), especially during the school-going years when changes can happen quickly.

2. Myopia Control Lenses

Unlike standard lenses, myopia control lenses are specially designed to slow the progression of myopia. Brands like Hoya MiYOSMART, Shamir Optimee™, and Essilor Stellest, available at House of Spectacles, use innovative lens technology to manage how light focuses on the retina, reducing the stimulus for the eye to elongate. These lenses look just like normal glasses but do so much more behind the scenes.

3. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Night Lenses

These are specially designed rigid contact lenses worn while sleeping. Overnight, they gently reshape the cornea, allowing your child to wake up and see clearly the next day without the need for glasses or contacts during waking hours.

House of Spectacles advises this non-surgical, reversible, and very effective method for suitable candidates. It’s especially ideal for active kids who play sports or prefer a glasses-free lifestyle.

4. Atropine Eye Drops

Atropine is a low-dose medicated eye drop proven to slow down the progression of myopia in children. However, in Singapore, it is regulated by law that atropine can only be prescribed by an ophthalmologist. If you're considering this method, a referral to a paediatric ophthalmologist is necessary, and we can guide you on how to take the next steps.

Why Early Intervention Matters

The earlier a child develops myopia, the more aggressively it can progress. That’s why early detection and proper management are key. With the right approach, we can reduce the risk of high myopia and protect your child’s vision in the long term.

At House of Spectacles, our optometrists take time to understand your child’s needs and guide you through the most suitable management options. Whether it’s regular glasses, myopia control lenses, or Ortho-K, we’re here to support every step of your child’s visual journey.