Blog

Understanding Myopia: Causes, Risks and Modern Treatment Options

• 06 Jul 2026
• Daniel Benjamin

Myopia is one of the fastest-growing vision conditions worldwide, affecting millions of children and adults. People with myopia can clearly see nearby objects but struggle to see distant objects without corrective lenses.

Although genetics plays an important role, environmental factors such as prolonged screen use, reduced outdoor activities, and excessive near work have contributed significantly to the increasing number of children developing myopia.

If left unmanaged, progressive myopia may increase the risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic macular degeneration.

Fortunately, modern eye care offers several effective strategies to slow the progression of myopia, especially in children.

These include:

• Specially designed myopia control spectacle lenses
• Orthokeratology (overnight contact lenses)
• Multifocal contact lenses
• Prescription eye drops where appropriate
• Lifestyle modifications, including increased outdoor activities

Early diagnosis is essential. Children should undergo regular eye examinations, particularly if one or both parents are short-sighted.

At De-Lens Ophthalmics, our specialists provide personalised myopia management programmes designed to help preserve long-term vision while reducing the progression of myopia.

Tips for Parents

• Encourage outdoor play every day.
• Limit continuous screen time.
• Ensure proper reading distance.
• Schedule annual comprehensive eye examinations.
• Seek professional advice at the first sign of blurred distance vision.