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The Myopia Epidemic - Why Our Childrens' Vision is Getting Worse and What We Can Do About It - Q & A Session with an Expert

  • decodeMR Team
  • Mar 20
  • 3 min read

Updated: Mar 25




Welcome to another insightful episode of Inline. 


 In this episode, we discuss myopia, also known as nearsightedness. 

 According to the International Myopia Institute, around 30% of the world's population is currently myopic, and by 2050, almost 50%—a staggering 5 billion people—will be affected. 


 We are joined by Dr. Wei Boon Khor, a senior consultant ophthalmologist at Singapore Eye & Vision, who provides valuable insights into why myopia rates are rising and how it impacts vision health. He discusses the early signs parents should watch for in children, how lifestyle habits contribute to worsening eyesight, and the importance of regular eye check-ups. He also explores treatment options such as optical interventions, pharmacological approaches, and lifestyle modifications that can help slow the progression of myopia. 


Additionally, Dr. Khor highlights the potential long-term risks associated with high myopia, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. He explains how early intervention can reduce these risks and improve long-term eye health. 


Key Discussion Points: 


1) Understanding Myopia: Causes & Risk Factors (0:56)

 

  • Myopia (nearsightedness) is increasingly common, particularly in urban environments 

  • Research shows children in cities are 2-3 times more likely to develop myopia than those in rural areas 

  • Prolonged near work—whether reading books or using digital screens—plays a role in myopia progression 


2) Early Signs & Diagnosis (3:06)


  • Children may not always realize they have blurry vision. Parents should watch for:  

    • Moving closer to screens or books 

    • Squinting or tilting the head while looking at distant objects 

    • Declining school performance due to difficulty seeing the board 

  • Routine eye screenings should start as early as age 5-6 


3) Prevention & Management Strategies (4:54) 


  • The most effective preventive measure is outdoor play, with at least two hours of daily exposure to natural light recommended 

  • Regular eye exams help detect and manage myopia at an early stage 


4) Treatment Options & Innovations (9:36) 


  • Atropine Eye Drops: Proven to slow down myopia progression by 50-80% 

  • Specialized Optical Aids:  

    • Ortho-K Lenses (worn overnight) reshape the cornea for clearer vision during the day 

    • Myopia Control Glasses & Contact Lenses help slow myopia progression by altering peripheral focus 

  • Combination Therapy (Atropine + Myopia Control Lenses) is being explored for better outcomes 


5) Future Research & Innovations (14:41) 


  • Studies are investigating whether atropine drops can prevent myopia onset in children at risk 

  • AI-powered retinal imaging is being developed to analyze subtle changes in the eye that may indicate early signs of myopia progression 


Takeaway Messages:  


  • Myopia is on the rise globally, but proactive measures can help manage and slow its progression 

  • Urban lifestyle and prolonged near work contribute significantly to myopia, but adequate outdoor exposure can mitigate risks 

  • Parents should be vigilant about early signs of myopia in children and ensure regular eye check-ups starting from a young age 

  • Effective treatment options like atropine drops, specialized contact lenses, and lifestyle changes can help control myopia progression 

  • Raising awareness and adopting preventive strategies can reduce the long-term impact of myopia on vision health 


About Dr Wei Boon Khor: 


Dr. Wei Boon Khor is a Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist at Singapore Eye & Vision, specializing in Cornea and External Eye Diseases as well as Refractive Surgery. His clinical and educational interests include corneal infections, ocular allergies, lamellar corneal transplantation, and advanced refractive surgery techniques such as LASIK, Lenticule Extraction, and Advanced Surface Ablation. 




Relevant links: 


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