Singapore is infamously termed  the myopia capital of the world : 10% of children in kindergarten, 60% of primary school children and 80% of 18 year olds have myopia. When myopia starts early in a child’s life, it tends to progress and worsen until he reaches adolescence. Severe myopia is commonly associated with retinal detachment, macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts.

There is no cure for myopia but atropine has been used as eyedrops to slow down its progression. Initially used as 1% eyedrops, it has now been shown that a diluted preparation of 0.01% is just as effective. This has significantly reduced its adverse side effects affecting reading and light sensitivity. At Dr Goh Eye Clinic, our myopia management programme is individually tailored to each child with close monitoring for any possible side effects and myopia progression. In addition, we provide advice on a modification of the child’s environment such as encouraging outdoor activities and limiting time spent on near work and computers or devices. This provides a more effective multi-faceted management of a child's myopia.