The Day I Went Blind for an Hour

Eyes are the windows to our souls. Have we been taking them for granted?

"Death convict". =O

She can "FEEL" the words. (",)

Ok, she can't. xD

They will become the best buddy by October. =D

Learning to write from scratch. =S

Friends in need are friends indeed*. =)

Teaching the blind a skill or two. =D

Fact: Myopia is worsening in Singapore

Myopia is a rapidly worsening public health problem in Singapore. Surveys have indicated that myopia afflicts 25% of 7 year olds, 33% of 9 year olds, 50% of 12 year olds and more than 80% of 18 year old males in Singapore.

Theory: Cause of myopia

The exact environmental factor cannot be pinpointed, it is quite likely that this is related to the heavy amount of reading and near work our children are exposed to, which is certainly much higher than that in the past.

Fact: Myopia increases with age

Once myopia sets in, it will usually continue to increase until the child reaches adulthood. The earlier the onset, the worse the final outcome will be. The challenge is to either prevent myopia from developing in the first place, or to slow down its progression.

Some common myths

Unfortunately, there are several commonly held myths which have been around for a long time. It is important to stress that myopia is NOT reduced by:

1) Avoiding the use of spectacles. On the contrary, in some cases, not wearing spectacles can lead to the development of a lazy eye, with permanent harm done to the child's vision in the future.

2) Reducing the power of the spectacles (undercorrection).

3) Several studies have not been able to demonstrate any beneficial effect from this strategy.

4) Dietary supplements including Vitamin A. Children should receive a balanced diet, with adequate intake of vitamins from fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, overdosage can cause harm.

5) Eye exercises, accupressure, vision training. These only help to relax the eye, but they do not shorten the eyeball or cure true myopia. However, they are useful in inculcating good visual habits.

6) Bifocal spectacles. Several previous studies have not shown a consistent beneficial effect in all patients. It may have a role only in certain children with problems of misalignment of the eyes (squints).


Source: Singapore National Eye Centre



"The personal, social and economic costs of vision impairment are huge. The loss of sight limits life choices and opportunities for otherwise healthy people, and places a significant burden on the family and community." - Kevin Andrews, 2002

P.S. 'A friend in need is a friend indeed' means 'someone who helps you when you are in need is a true friend'.