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.