Vision problems among Malaysian children are becoming more common, yet many go undetected until they begin to affect learning, behaviour, and overall development. A study has shown that 22.3% of children are affected by some form of visual impairment, with more than half of the cases linked to treatable causes. Dr Fiona Chew Lee Min, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Paediatric Ophthalmologist, and Strabismus Surgeon at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV), explains that most of these cases are due to refractive errors, a condition where light is not properly focused on the retina because of the shape of the eyeball. This leads to blurry vision, with myopia, or nearsightedness, and astigmatism being the most common conditions among Malaysian children. Both are showing an increasing trend, and she stresses the importance of routine vision checks even if no symptoms are visible, especially as August marks Children’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month.
Almost half of Malaysian children are reported to have refractive errors, with a prevalence of 47.8%. Myopia affects about 30.2%, causing distant objects to appear blurry, while astigmatism, which affects 16.3%, results from an uneven corneal curvature that causes blurred vision at all distances. Hyperopia, or long-sightedness, though less common at 1.2%, makes near vision more difficult. Dr Fiona notes that these conditions often go unnoticed, as children seldom complain. Instead, they adjust to their limitations, leading parents to assume nothing is wrong. Signs such as squinting, frequent blinking, rubbing of the eyes, or holding books and devices too close may be overlooked and misinterpreted as habits when they could indicate actual vision issues.
If not treated early, refractive errors can progress into more serious conditions, including lazy eye, eye alignment problems, headaches, depth perception difficulties, and poor concentration. Modern lifestyles that involve heavy use of digital devices further worsen these risks. The shift to online learning during the pandemic has increased children’s daily screen time considerably, and studies reveal that more than half of Malaysian students now experience headaches related to prolonged device use. Excessive screen exposure is also linked to increased eyeball length, which is a key factor in worsening refractive errors. To reduce risks, Dr Fiona advises that children older than three should limit their screen time to one hour daily, while children under three should avoid screens altogether. Ideally, screens should be introduced later, preferably after the age of seven.
Spending more time outdoors can help safeguard children’s vision by allowing their eyes to rest, focus on different distances, and benefit from natural light. Exposure to outdoor activity has been shown to lower the risk of myopia. Dr Fiona also promotes the 20-20-20 rule, which involves taking a 20-second break to focus on something 20 feet away after every 20 minutes of near work.
In terms of treatment, glasses remain the most effective corrective option for refractive errors in children. Wearing glasses does not weaken eyesight, as often believed, but instead helps the eyes focus properly and reduces strain. For children aged 10 to 12, contact lenses can be considered, but proper hygiene is critical to avoid infection. Routine eye screenings are also essential, beginning from birth and followed by a formal eye assessment at the age of three, or earlier if warning signs appear. Dr Fiona emphasises that early detection allows effective treatment, improving both long-term outcomes and quality of life.
Nutrition is another crucial factor in supporting eye health. Chow Yu Fei, Registered Dietitian at SMCV, explains that key nutrients such as vitamin A, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids are important for visual development, coordination, and retinal protection. Deficiencies can lead to night blindness, higher sensitivity to blue light, and reduced visual processing efficiency. Nutrient-rich foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, eggs, leafy greens, broccoli, corn, salmon, mackerel, ikan tenggiri, ikan kembung, ikan patin, walnuts, and chia seeds should be included in children’s meals to strengthen their eyesight and promote healthy development.
By combining early detection, healthy daily habits, outdoor play, and proper nutrition, parents can play an active role in preventing and managing vision problems in children. Timely intervention and the right care can help treat most childhood eye conditions and give children the best chance for a lifetime of strong and healthy vision. Sunway Medical Centre Velocity is located at Lingkaran SV, Sunway Velocity. For enquiries, call +603 9772 9191 or email smcv.enquiry@sunway.com.my. For more information, visit www.sunmedvelocity.com.my or follow Facebook: Sunway Medical Velocity.
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