- SINGAPORE
10 Creative Ways To Keep Your Kids’ Myopia At Bay In A Digital World
How To Protect Your Eyesight With Fun!
A recent news article reported that Singapore has an increasing myopia rate among children, with up to 20% of children having high condition (which is classified as having more than 500 degrees in each eye), as compared to 10% a decade ago. The stats are alarming for sure. But what exactly is myopia? Well, it’s the condition where you face difficulty of seeing far, resulting in the need for spectacles, contact lens, or for adults, lasik surgery.
Blame it on our screen-heavy lifestyles of watching Netflix on our phones or scrolling TikTok. No matter what age, our eyes are constantly working overtime. In Singapore, where myopia rates are among the highest in the world, it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps to protect our vision, as well as the little ones’. But don’t worry, staying on top of eye health doesn’t have to be a bore. Here are 10 fun and creative ways to keep myopia at bay in this digital age, which you and your kiddos can practice together.
Want more health-related questions answered? Check out more health articles on our website!
Best spectacle shops in Singapore with kids glasses for your little one!
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TURN OUTDOOR TIME INTO AN ADVENTURE *Creative Ways To Keep Myopia At Bay
Play Time With Mother NatureSunlight is a natural protector against myopia, so why not turn outdoor time into a fun-filled experience? Instead of just “go outside and play,” make it exciting – think nature scavenger hunts, cycling at East Coast Park, or a weekend hike at MacRitchie. The more kids, and adults, enjoy being outdoors, the less time they’ll spend staring at screens.
Some Examples Of Where To Go For An Adventure:
- East Coast Park – Click here
- Sentosa – Click here
- Jurong Lake Gardens – Click here
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DESIGN AN ERGONOMIC STUDY CORNER *Creative Ways To Keep Myopia At Bay
Invest In A Good SetupWhether it’s for work or school, a good workspace setup is crucial. Position screens at least 50cm away from the eyes, ensure proper lighting, and invest in a chair that encourages good posture. A clutter-free, well-lit study corner with a comfy but supportive chair can make all the difference for your eye health. Wanna go one step further? Add blue light filters on screens for better protection.
Some Options For Ergonomic Chair And Tables:
- Secretlab – Click here
- Ergotune – Click here
- Takeaseat – Click here
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PLAY INTERACTIVE “EYE BREAK” GAMES *Creative Ways To Keep Myopia At Bay
Simple & Easy ImprovementsWho knew you could also make eye rest a game! Set a timer for every 20 minutes and challenge the little ones to focus on something far away for 20 seconds – bonus points if it’s a cool object outside the window. Blinking contests and eye yoga exercises can also make breaks fun instead of a chore.
More Information About Eye Break Games:
- Eye Care Game Ideas – Click here
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CREATE A DIGITAL DETOX ROUTINE *Creative Ways To Keep Myopia At Bay
Spend Time Away From ScreensHere’s an idea: designate screen-free zones at home, such as the dining table, and schedule regular “unplugged” time as household rules. Instead of winding down with TV, swap it for storytelling, board games, or even DIY craft sessions together. Or hey, why not head to the library or parks as great alternative hangouts without screens?
More Information About Digital Detox:
- 10 Steps For A Digital Detox – Click here
- How To Do A Digital Detox – Click here
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USE FUN VISUAL REMINDERS *Creative Ways To Keep Myopia At Bay
Gamify Your Eye HealthThe 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) is a game-changer, but come on, who remembers to do it regularly right? Put up colorful posters near study desks or use funny sticky notes to remind yourself – and your little ones – to give your eyes a break.
More Information About Visual Reminders:
- Visual Reminder Cartoons & Comics – Click here
- How To Make Visual Reminders Work Effectively – Click here
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INVOLVE KIDS IN SETTING SCREEN LIMITS *Creative Ways To Keep Myopia At Bay
Family-Fun ActivitiesRather than enforcing strict screen-time rules, get kids involved in choosing alternatives so they’re part of the decision making process too! Let them pick an offline activity for every hour of screen time used – maybe LEGO, puzzles, or a round of badminton outside. Giving them a say makes them more likely to follow through in their journey to better eye care.
More Information About Screen-Free Activities:
- Screen-Free Activities In Singapore – Click here
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EXPLORE VIRTUAL NATURE TOURS *Creative Ways To Keep Myopia At Bay
Go Outdoors From The Comfort Of Your HomeWe get it – the weather in Singapore is extreme heat or rain. If getting outside isn’t always possible, consider virtual nature tours. Some apps and YouTube channels offer immersive nature experiences with 360-degree views – minus the excessive glare from video games or cartoons. It’s a win-win for learning and eye health!
More Information About Virtual Nature Tours:
- Virtual Field Trips – Click here
- Virtual Nature Walks And Trails On YouTube – Click here
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DOWNLOAD APPS THAT PROMOTE EYE HEALTH *Creative Ways To Keep Myopia At Bay
Use Devices ResponsiblyNot all screen time is bad – some apps gamify eye exercises and encourage healthy screen habits. There are plenty of free app options that offer reminders, exercises, and break prompts, making it easier to manage screen time effectively.
More Information About Apps For Eye Health:
- VisionPal – Click here
- Top 10 Eye Health Apps – Click here
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DISCUSS SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE OPENLY *Creative Ways To Keep Myopia At Bay
Open Conversations With The FamilyLet’s face it, social media is here to stay, and doom scrolling is a big contributor to screen fatigue. Instead of just setting time limits, have open conversations about mindful screen use with your kids. Discuss how excessive screen time affects not just eye health, but sleep, mood, and even productivity. Once the little ones understand the repercussions of excessive screen time, they’ll have an open mind to living life without relying on it.
More Information About Discussing Social Media Usage:
- 5 Things Parents Should Know About Social Media – Click here
- Parents’ Guide To Social Media – Click here
- 5 Things Parents Should Know About Social Media – Click here
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TALK TO AN EYE SPECIALIST *Creative Ways To Keep Myopia At Bay
Consult On Your Eye HealthSometimes, prevention needs professional guidance. Regular eye check-ups can detect early signs of myopia, and some clinics in Singapore even offer workshops on eye health for families. Consider booking an appointment with an optometrist to stay ahead of any vision issues!
Eye Specialists In Singapore:
- Eagle Eye Centre – Click here
- Eye Surgeons – Click here
- Singapore National Eye Centre – Click here
- Eagle Eye Centre – Click here
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