Cost of myopia?
Guess what is the estimated total cost of optical correction of myopia in Singapore? According to WHO report in 2016, the annual direct cost for Singaporean is estimated at US$755 million.
The cost of eye care will likely to increase if Singaporean children start myopia at younger age. The cost is not just financial. One of the studies shows myopia affects the health-related quality of life in adolescents aged 11 to 18 years with visual impairment.
A visual impairment is the loss of vision that cannot be corrected by eye glasses. Best corrected visual acuity can be worse than 6/12.
Common visual impairments in young children:
1. Ocular Albinism.
Albinism involves the absence or reduction of pigment in the eyes, skin, and hair. Ocular albinism results to poor vision, light sensitivity, nystagmus, and strabismus.
2. Nystagmus
Nystagmus is an involuntary, rhythmic side-to-side or up-and-down eye movement that often accompanies other visual disorders.
3. Strabismus
Strabismus, or “crossed” eye, is a a eye-muscle system defect. One of the eyes get misaligned or do not move normally.
4. Glaucoma
Pressure against the optic nerve and compression of the blood vessels of the eye may indicate glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disease causes permanent and irreversible vision loss.
5. Retinal Detachment
Retina can be lifted or pulled away from the wall of the eye. Retinal detachment will cause permanent vision loss if not treated properly. High myopia is usually associated with retinal detachment.
6. Cataract
Cataract is a clouding of crystalline lens. The crystalline lens loses its transparency that leads to visual impairment. Cataracts are commonly due to aging, can be from birth, trauma or radiation exposure.
Visit your optometrist immediately if your child experiences as follows:
- Watery and red eyes.
- Droopy eyelids.
- “Crossed” eyes when looking at different directions.
- Frequent eye rubbing.
- Eye pain and itchiness.
- Likes to sit close to TV.
- Dislikes reading.
- Avoid digital work in or after school.
- Unable to complete assignments.
- Poor academic results.