Proper desk lighting is crucial for children’s eye health, reducing the risk of myopia, eye strain, and discomfort. Good lighting supports focus and promotes good posture during study sessions. Dr Sunder says to The Star “parents should limit their kids’ screen time according to a child’s age. Toddlers aged 3 – 5 should only have 60 minutes of screen time per day. It is best to maintain a proper reading distance from screens and books (approximately a forearm’s length) to prevent eye strain.

As Malaysia’s population ages, the prevalence of visual impairments, especially among those with diabetes, is increasing. Common conditions like diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and cataracts can lead to irreversible blindness if left untreated. Regular eye screenings and early intervention are essential for preserving vision and quality of life.

Advancements in medical technology, including anti-VEGF therapy, implantable devices, and AI diagnostics, offer hope for better management and treatment of eye conditions. These innovations, combined with regular check-ups, can prevent complications and maintain independence for the elderly.

Excessive screen time in children can lead to eye strain, headaches, and progressive myopia. Experts like Dr. Sunder Ramasamy, a consultant pediatric ophthalmologist, recommend limiting screen time to under two hours daily and encouraging outdoor activities to reduce myopia risks. For infants under 18 months, screen time should ideally be avoided entirely, as per guidelines from the World Health Organization.

Regular pediatric eye check-ups are crucial, starting as early as three months old, to detect abnormalities and ensure healthy visual development. Early intervention can prevent long-term vision problems.

Pengesanan awal glaukoma adalah penting untuk mencegah kehilangan penglihatan kekal. Dr. Amir Samsudin, pakar glaukoma dari OasisEye Specialists, menegaskan bahawa walaupun glaukoma tidak dapat disembuhkan, saringan awal dapat melambatkan perkembangan penyakit dan memanjangkan jangka hayat penglihatan. Glaukoma sering berpunca daripada tekanan intraokular yang meningkat, yang merosakkan saraf optik. Glaukoma sudut terbuka lebih kerap berlaku berbanding jenis sudut tertutup, dan rawatan berbeza mengikut tahap keparahan penyakit.

Dr. Manoharan Shunmugam mentioned to The Star “Reading, or doing anything at an excessively close range for extended periods of time, especially when you are at a young age (below 12) has been shown to cause myopia, and poor lighting exacerbates this. And yes, those who read in bed lying down with the book in the air are likely to experience myopia as well”

Uncorrected refractive errors in children can lead to long-term complications like amblyopia and other visual impairments. To prevent this, regular eye screenings and appropriate corrective measures are crucial. Parents should ensure optimal screen settings, such as proper lighting and screen height, and encourage frequent breaks using the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain.

Prolonged screen time and reduced outdoor activities are contributing to the rise of myopia in children. Dr. Manoharan Shunmugam speaks to New Straits Times highlighted that “uncorrected refractive errors are critical to address as they frequently affect children, who do not usually complain of visual symptoms, especially if it only affects one eye. If left uncorrected in the first decade of life, it is likely that these children will be left with life-long visual impairment of varying severity in one or both eyes in the form of amblyopia”

Early detection is crucial to avoid complications like lazy eye (amblyopia) or severe vision impairment. Parents are encouraged to create a visually stimulating environment for young children and ensure consistent vision monitoring.

Uncorrected refractive errors are a major cause of visual impairment among children, with sustained near-work and digital screen exposure linked to myopia progression. Regular pediatric eye screenings are crucial, starting from newborns to pre-school and beyond. Early detection and management of vision issues such as squints, myopia, and amblyopia can prevent lifelong challenges.

OasisEye Specialists, led by experts like Dr. Mano Shunmugam and Dr. Sunder Ramasamy, emphasizes the importance of early intervention and evidence-based care for children. Learn more about pediatric eye care and book a screening at OasisEye.

OasisEye Specialists (OES), in collaboration with Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil’s office, organized the “Gift of Sight” program aimed at raising awareness about ocular health and promoting annual eye screenings. The initiative highlights the importance of protecting eyesight, especially in the digital age, where extended screen time can deteriorate vision quality.

The event emphasized OES’s commitment to providing evidence-based eye care and advanced medical technology for conditions like cataracts. One patient, Fatimah Yeop Mokhtar, shared her gratitude for the successful cataract surgery performed by Dr. Vanitha Ratnalingam, which restored her vision.