Myopia or shortsightedness is the most common refractive error in Singapore. Myopic people cannot see distant objects clearly but can see near objects very well.

Hyperopia or long-sightedness is uncommon in Singapore. Often misunderstood and confused with presbyopia, hyperopes are unable to see near objects well but can see distant objects clearly. Hyperopia can occur at any age.

Astigmatism is common. In this condition, the cornea is not shaped like a sphere, but is like an egg. It results in blurred vision for both near and distant objects.

Presbyopia is an age-related phenonomenon. At the age of 40, our lens gets stiffer and the ciliary muscle (focusing muscle) weakens. This leads to a weakening in our ability to read or see near objects. The earliest sign of presbyopia is the need to hold the newspaper further and further away to read when we near the age of 40. Interestingly, if you are myopic, the effects of presbyopia are reduced and you can still read in your 40s.

Correction of refractive errors

The simplest way is of course to use glasses or contact lenses. All the above can be effectively and economically treated this way.

If a patient wishes not to wear optical aids at all, then LASIK vision correction is currently the most effective way of doing this.

Another way is to carry out cataract or lens extraction and replace it with a correctly powered lens implant. Today we can correct all the above refractive errors with specially designed lens implants.

Atropine 0.01% for the control of myopia is now available in our clinic

Singapore has one of the highest prevalence rates of myopia in the world. It is important to detect them early and try to reduce the progression of myopia, as the earlier a child develops myopia, the higher the tendency of developing severe myopia and its complications later in life.

Atropine eyedrops have been used for years to control the progression of myopia. However, the earlier doses of 0.1% were higher and were associated with more complications such as difficulty with near reading and glare from the dilatation of the pupil . Children on these eyedrops required reading glasses as well as tinted glasses in order to overcome these side effects.

However in recent years, low dose atropine eyedrops of 0.01% have been researched and found to be effective in slowing myopia progression by 50-60% over a 2 year period, with minimal side effects. Children on these lower dose of atropine did not require tinted or reading glasses for work.

Each treatment course is for 2 years and the effect of atropine usually builds over time, having an improved effect in the second year compared to the first.

These low dose atropine 0.01% eyedrops which are effective in controlling the progression of myopia, with minimal side effects are now available in our clinic as a once a day dosing. A comprehensive examination by our specialists is usually performed to assess if your child is suitable for atropine treatment. This is usually followed by 6 monthly checks for at least 2 years.