Genetic Factors
Family history significantly increases risk; children with two myopic parents have a several-fold higher risk of developing myopia.
Understanding Myopia: A Complete Guide to Nearsightedness
Evidence-based information to help you understand causes, progression, and management options for myopia in children and adults.
What is Myopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. It occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, or when the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Global Prevalence
About a third of people worldwide are myopic today, and a widely cited study (Holden et al., 2016) projects nearly half the world's population (49.8%) by 2050. In Singapore, about 83% of young adults and 65% of Primary 6 children are myopic, according to the Ministry of Health. That is among the highest rates in the world.
Learn more about myopia progression
Causes and Risk Factors
Environmental Factors
Limited outdoor time, prolonged near work (reading, screens), and poor lighting conditions contribute to onset and progression.
Age of Onset
Typically develops in childhood, progresses through school years, and stabilizes in early adulthood.
Ethnicity
Higher prevalence in East Asian populations, with Singapore consistently reporting among the highest rates globally.
Signs and Symptoms of Myopia
- Blurred vision when looking at distant objects (road signs, classroom boards)
- Squinting to see clearly
- Headaches from eye strain
- Difficulty with night driving
- Children sitting very close to screens or holding books near face
- Frequent eye rubbing or excessive blinking
How Myopia is Diagnosed
Visual Acuity Test
Reading letters on a chart to assess clarity of vision at various distances.
Refraction Assessment
Determining the lens power needed to correct the refractive error.
Eye Health Examination
Checking internal and external eye structures for overall ocular health.
Axial Length Measurement
Advanced assessment of eye growth, especially important for myopia management planning.
Note: Diagnosis requires a comprehensive examination by a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist. Online vision tests cannot diagnose myopia.
Myopia Management Options
Standard Correction
Single-vision glasses and contact lenses correct blurred vision but do not slow myopia progression. They remain the starting point for many patients.
Myopia Control Spectacles
Specialized lens designs (DIMS, HAL, progressive addition) that may slow progression in children. Fitting and follow-up require qualified practitioners.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Overnight corneal reshaping lenses that provide daytime freedom from glasses. Requires specialist fitting, rigorous hygiene, and regular monitoring.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Soft lenses designed for myopia progression control in children. Efficacy and suitability vary; professional assessment is essential.
Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine prescribed and monitored by ophthalmologists. Availability and regulatory status vary by market; discuss with a specialist.
Lifestyle Modifications
Increased outdoor time (2+ hours daily), regular breaks from near work, proper working distance and lighting. Supported by research from the Singapore Eye Research Institute and international studies on time outdoors.
Read the research summary
Myopia in Children: Why Early Management Matters
Childhood represents a critical window for myopia intervention. The earlier myopia begins, the more years it has to progress—and the higher the final prescription and associated complication risk.
- Earlier onset correlates with higher final prescription and increased complication risk later in life.
- Regular monitoring every 6 months is recommended for children with progressing myopia.
- School-age myopia often progresses -0.50D to -1.00D per year without intervention.
Living with Myopia: Practical Tips
Daily Comfort & Ergonomics
Ensure proper working distance (at least arm's length), adequate lighting, and the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain during near work.
Sports & Activities
Contact lenses and protective eyewear can enhance performance and safety. Discuss options with your eyecare provider for your specific activities.
Career Considerations
Certain occupations have vision requirements. Early management and regular monitoring help preserve career options that depend on uncorrected visual acuity.
When Correction Isn't Worn
Keep backup glasses accessible, especially for travel and emergencies. Consider daily disposable contacts for convenience when away from home.
Long-Term Eye Health
High myopia carries increased risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy. Regular monitoring helps detect issues early.
Find Myopia Care in Singapore
Eye clinics and optometrists whose listing names mention myopia or ortho-k, plus the full directory of optometrists for routine checks.
OptometristW OPTICS @ Great World City (Myopia Centre)1 Kim Seng Promenade #02-122 Great World City,, 237994★ 4.8 · 150 Google reviewsOptometristVizion - Myopia Management720 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, #01-4112, Singapore 560720★ 5.0 · 135 Google reviewsOptometristThe Optometrists @ Optic Point Ortho-K & Myopia Management360 Orchard Rd, #09-02, International Building, Singapore 238869★ 5.0 · 135 Google reviewsOptometristTiong Bahru Eyecare (Myopia And Ortho-K Clinic)11A Boon Tiong Rd, #01-10, Singapore 161011★ 4.9 · 122 Google reviewsOptometristKacee Eye Care: Ortho-K and Myopia Centre (Dunearn Village)Dunearn Village, Dunearn Rd, Floor 3, #03-03, 589472★ 5.0 · 84 Google reviewsOptometristPerspecs Eyecare Myopia Control CentreBlk 24 Sin Ming Rd, #01-49, Sin Ming Ville, Singapore 570024★ 5.0 · 80 Google reviews
Listings are from public business information (checked Oct 2026), not endorsements. Ask any provider which myopia control options they offer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Myopia
Can myopia be cured or reversed?
There is currently no cure for myopia. Once the eye has elongated, that structural change is permanent. However, several management options may slow progression in children, and correction options provide clear vision for all ages. Consult a qualified eyecare professional to discuss what is appropriate for your situation.
Does wearing glasses make myopia worse?
No. Wearing prescribed glasses or contact lenses does not cause myopia to worsen. Under-correction (wearing weaker lenses than prescribed) has not been shown to slow progression and may lead to eye strain. Use the correction your provider recommends.
How often should my child's myopia be checked?
Children with progressing myopia should typically be monitored every 6 months, or as advised by their eyecare provider. More frequent reviews may be recommended when starting a new management strategy.
Is screen time causing my child's myopia?
Screen time is one factor among several. Research suggests that prolonged near work—including screens—combined with limited outdoor time, increases risk. Singapore's Health Promotion Board and Singapore National Eye Centre recommend at least 2 hours of outdoor activity daily as a protective measure.
What's the difference between myopia control and standard correction?
Standard correction (single-vision glasses or contacts) improves clarity but does not slow eye growth. Myopia control strategies—such as specialized spectacles, ortho-K, multifocal contacts, or low-dose atropine—aim to reduce the rate of progression in children. Not all options suit every child; professional guidance is essential.
Are ortho-K lenses safe for children?
Ortho-K lenses are generally considered safe when fitted and monitored by a qualified practitioner, with rigorous hygiene and follow-up. Risks include infection if care protocols are not followed. Suitability depends on individual eye characteristics and maturity; discuss candidacy with a specialist.
Will my child outgrow myopia?
Myopia typically progresses through childhood and stabilises in early adulthood. It does not usually 'outgrow' in the way some childhood conditions do. Early management is important to reduce final prescription strength and associated long-term risks.
What is high myopia and why is it concerning?
High myopia is generally defined as a prescription stronger than -6.00 dioptres or an axial length significantly above average. It carries increased lifetime risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy. Regular monitoring helps detect issues early.