Rising myopia in children: experts urge preventive measures

Free Malaysia Today

10-05-2025

The shift to online learning during the pandemic has resulted in prolonged screen time, a primary factor affecting children's eye health. (Envato Elements pic)
KUALA LUMPUR : The prevalence of myopia, or nearsightedness, among children is a growing concern worldwide, including in Malaysia. According to the World Health Organization, cases have surged significantly, particularly after the pandemic.
The global health authority predicts that by 2050, half of the global population will have myopia, with 10% of them at risk of developing high myopia. The latter condition can lead to serious complications, including glaucoma, retinal detachment, and permanent vision impairment.
The shift to online learning during the pandemic – a trend that continues today – has resulted in prolonged screen time for children. Beyond education, many also engage with digital devices for entertainment.
Ophthalmology specialist Dr Pall Singh said countries such as China, Japan, and Singapore report myopia rates exceeding 80% among teenagers. He warned that Malaysia is on a similar trajectory unless preventive measures are implemented.
Citing current data, Pall noted a significant rise in myopia prevalence among children, increasing from 9.8% at age seven to 34.4% by age 15.
The expert in vitreoretinal, medical retina, neuro-ophthalmology and orbit disorders said the rise in myopia among Malaysian children is driven by several key factors, including genetics and lifestyle habits.
Dr Pall Singh.
'One of the main factors affecting children's eye health is the widespread use of digital devices. Children now spend more time in front of smartphones, tablets and computers, whether for schoolwork or entertainment.
'When children spend too much time in front of screens, their eyes are exposed to blue light, which emits short wavelengths that can cause eye strain. Over time, this contributes to the progression of myopia,' he told Bernama.
Pall noted that long hours of studying in school, especially in an education system that prioritises academic achievement, require children to spend extended periods reading, writing, and focusing on near objects – further increasing their risk of myopia.
'In Malaysia, the packed school schedule – including extra classes, tuition, and continuous homework assignments – indirectly reduces children's opportunities to take breaks from near-work tasks and receive natural light exposure, increasing their risk of developing myopia,' he said.
Eye strain caused by prolonged screen use is worsened by the fact that children often do not follow proper rest routines. According to Pall, children tend to ignore early signs of strain, such as watery or irritated eyes, which can lead to nearsightedness.
Regular checkups with optometrists is crucial to prevent children from facing more significant vision difficulties in the future. (Envato Elements pic)
As such, it is important for parents and educators to be attentive to early signs of myopia, as early detection is key to preventing more severe vision problems in the future.
'Left unaddressed, nearsightedness can negatively impact a child's academic performance and daily life, as they may struggle to see the whiteboard or engage in outdoor activities freely,' he added.
'Every child should undergoes regular eye checkups at optometry clinics to detect myopia at an early stage.'
Natural light, outdoor activities
Meanwhile, Mohd Mursyid Arshad, director of the Co-Curriculum and Student Development Centre at Universiti Putra Malaysia, pointed out that the lack of exposure to natural light and outdoor activities also contributes to the development of myopia.
He said research has shown that children who spend more time outdoors have a lower risk of myopia compared with those who spend more time indoors. This is because natural light signals the eyes to develop in a healthier way, stimulating the retina to developed in a more structured manner.
Mohd Mursyid Arshad.
'As such, children who receive less natural light, especially at a young age, are more likely to develop myopia,' Mursyid stressed.
He also highlighted that outdoor activities provide other benefits such as improving children's physical and mental health. Playing outdoors helps enhance motor coordination and social development, which positively impact overall growth.
Educational institutions, therefore, have to play an active role in helping children reduce myopia risk by paying attention to the learning environment. Potential measures include ensuring classrooms have adequate lighting, and reducing reliance on digital devices for learning.
Pall agreed, saying exposure to natural light for at least two hours daily can reduce myopia risk by 30-50%, as outdoor light is significantly brighter (10,000–100,000 lux) compared to classroom lighting (only about 500 lux).
He also recommends that national education policies incorporate vision health into the curriculum, and enhance collaboration between schools and parents to help reduce screen time at home.