1. Singapore has one of the highest myopia rates in the world

• By the time they finish primary school, about 65% of children in Singapore are myopic.
• This number climbs to over 80% by the time they reach adulthood.
  👶 That’s why early screening and myopia control are so important for children.

2. High myopia is on the rise

• Around 10–20% of Singaporeans have high myopia, which increases the risk of serious eye diseases like retinal detachment and glaucoma.
• Lifestyle factors such as long screen time and limited outdoor activity are key contributors.

3. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in Singapore

• Nearly 80% of people over 60 will develop cataracts.
• The good news: cataract surgery is safe, effective, and Medisave-claimable in Singapore.

4. Glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight”

• It affects about 3% of people over 40 in Singapore.
• Many people don’t notice vision loss until it’s advanced, making regular eye checks vital.

5. Diabetic eye disease is becoming more common

• Around 1 in 9 Singaporeans has diabetes, and diabetic retinopathy is one of the top causes of vision loss.
• Annual eye screenings are recommended for all diabetics.

6. Dry eyes affect almost 1 in 3 adults

• The rise of digital device use has made dry eyes a common complaint.
• Symptoms include stinging, burning, or a gritty feeling in the eyes.

7. Myopia costs Singapore billions each year

• Economic studies estimate the burden of myopia treatment and productivity loss to be over S$1 billion annually.
• Prevention and early treatment can reduce long-term costs.

8. Screen time is a major driver of eye problems

• On average, Singaporeans spend 6–8 hours daily on screens.
• Experts recommend the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

9. Regular eye checks can save sight

• Many serious conditions — including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy — show no symptoms in the early stages.
• Eye specialists recommend a full eye exam every 1–2 years for adults, and yearly for children with myopia.

10. Good habits protect eye health long-term

• Spending at least 2 hours outdoors daily helps slow myopia progression in children.
• Eating a diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3s supports overall eye health.
• Wearing sunglasses reduces UV damage that contributes to cataracts and macular degeneration.