It starts with a squint.
A missed line on the board.
A child inching closer to the screen.
What seems like an innocent habit could be the early signs of myopia—a condition silently sweeping across the globe at alarming rates, especially among children. This Myopia Awareness Week, EyeCare Hospital urges parents and caregivers to pause, observe, and protect the gift of sight.
What is Myopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. This occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. What’s even more worrying is the rise of high myopia—a severe form that increases the risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and even blindness.
Why Is Myopia Increasing?
Increased screen time.
Less time outdoors.
More time indoors focusing on close-up tasks.
These modern lifestyle shifts are accelerating myopia in children faster than ever before.
Signs to Look Out For in Children:
- Frequent squinting or blinking
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding books very near
- Complaints of headaches or tired eyes
- Difficulty seeing distant objects, like the classroom board
Early Detection Matters
The earlier myopia is diagnosed, the more effectively it can be managed and controlled.
Preventive Measures:
Empower yourself and your family with these proactive steps:
- Encourage outdoor activities: Aim for at least 90 minutes of outdoor play daily.
- Implement the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Limit screen time: Especially for children, to reduce eye strain.
Let’s Change the Vision Narrative
Your child’s future doesn’t have to be blurred. With the right intervention, myopia progression can be slowed and in some cases, stabilized.
At EyeCare Hospital, we’re committed to helping every child see a world full of clarity and colour.
This Myopia Awareness Week, let’s take action.
Let’s schedule that eye exam.
Let’s encourage outdoor play.
Let’s talk to our children about eye health.
Because clearer vision leads to brighter futures.
