Highly myopic individuals face a staggering tenfold increase in the risk of retina-related eye diseases, warns Consultant Ophthalmologist and Aeromedical Surgeon, Dr. Tan Kong Lee, from Raffles Eye Medical Centre.
Myopia, affecting eight out of ten young Singaporeans, poses severe threats, especially for one in six myopic patients categorized as highly myopic.
Early symptoms of critical eye diseases like glaucoma and myopic degeneration often remain inconspicuous, necessitating regular eye check-ups to detect potential threats promptly.
Dr. Tan Kiang Lee emphasizes the heightened risks for retina-related issues among highly myopic patients, including floaters, flashes of light, and partial vision loss. If left untreated, conditions like vitreous detachment, early cataract symptoms, myopia lesions, and glaucoma can lead to permanent blindness. Despite the prevalence of myopia in Singapore, public awareness regarding the necessity of regular eye check-ups is lacking. Dr. Tan underscores the importance of early detection, stressing that most eye diseases stemming from high myopia can be effectively treated with medication or surgery, preserving existing vision or preventing blindness.
Addressing the ideal age for regular eye check-ups, Dr. Chan asserts that once the eyes have matured and the degree of myopia has stabilized, individuals over 18 with high myopia should initiate routine examinations.
These examinations should encompass aspects such as clear vision, intraocular pressure, refraction, and dilated fundal examination.
High myopia arises from a combination of genetic factors and lifestyle choices, with prolonged exposure to screens and digital devices posing a significant threat to eye health. Dr. Chen Jiangli recommends instilling good habits in genetically predisposed children, advocating outdoor activities, and limiting smartphone use.
For persistent myopia, he suggests considering atropine eye drops, proven to slow myopia progression by 50-60% without side effects in children aged six and above.
Adults with myopia glasses are advised to select properly fitted glasses to avoid visual gaps that may impact eye health. Alternatively, contact lenses or refractive surgery can be explored for those seeking convenience and freedom from glasses-related inconveniences.
As awareness grows, prioritizing regular eye check-ups and adopting eye-healthy habits becomes paramount for safeguarding vision.
In the realm of eye health, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Aeromedical Surgeon Dr. Tan Kong Lee, hailing from Raffles Eye Medical Centre, underscores the gravity of the risks highly myopic individuals face—ten times higher susceptibility to retina-related eye diseases compared to the general population.
Myopia, prevalent in 80% of Singapore's youth, casts a shadow over one in six, categorized as highly myopic, imparting a threat far beyond conventional perception.
Dr. Tan Kiang Lee delves into the specific risks, elucidating the potential for floaters, flashes of light, and vision loss associated with high myopia. The urgency of regular eye check-ups surfaces as a crucial shield against subtle yet pernicious conditions like vitreous detachment, early cataracts, myopia lesions, and glaucoma, all precursors to irreversible blindness if neglected.
Public awareness regarding the imperative nature of regular eye examinations lags in Singapore. Dr. Tan emphasizes that early detection remains the linchpin for effective treatment, with medication or surgery often offering a lifeline. Dr. Chan reinforces the age-appropriate initiation of eye check-ups, particularly for those over 18 with stabilized myopia.
The genesis of high myopia intertwines genetic predisposition with contemporary lifestyle choices, such as extended screen time and smartphone use. Dr. Chen Jiangli advocates proactive habits for genetically vulnerable children, citing outdoor activities and limited screen exposure as protective measures.
For persistent myopia, the consideration of atropine eye drops emerges as a preventive strategy.
