Vision problems are becoming increasingly common among Malaysian children, yet many cases go undetected until they begin to affect behaviour, school performance, or overall development. A recent study revealed that 22.3% of Malaysian children have some form of visual impairment, with more than half of these cases linked to treatable causes.
Dr Fiona Chew Lee Min, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Paediatric Ophthalmologist at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV), explains that most of these cases are caused by refractive errors, a condition in which light is not focused properly on the retina due to the shape of the eyeball, resulting in blurry vision. Myopia, or nearsightedness, and astigmatism, a condition that distorts vision due to an uneven curvature of the cornea, are the most common refractive errors among Malaysian children. Hyperopia, or long-sightedness, is less common but can still impact a child’s ability to see clearly.
She points out that many children adapt to poor vision without realising it, which makes these problems easy to overlook. Symptoms can be subtle, such as squinting to see distant objects, blinking or rubbing the eyes frequently, or holding books and devices unusually close. Parents may dismiss behaviours like sitting too close to the television as bad habits, when in reality, they could be warning signs of vision problems. If left untreated, refractive errors can lead to more serious conditions, including lazy eye, eye alignment issues, headaches from eye strain, poor depth perception, and difficulties concentrating. Modern lifestyle habits, particularly the sharp increase in screen time, are worsening these risks.
The shift to remote learning during the pandemic has dramatically increased daily screen exposure for children, with more than half of Malaysian students now experiencing headaches related to prolonged device use. Studies have shown that extended screen time is also linked to changes in eyeball length, a key factor in the development of refractive errors. Dr Fiona recommends that children under three should not have any screen time, while those over three should be limited to no more than one hour per day, with screen exposure ideally introduced as late as possible, preferably after the age of seven. She also emphasises the importance of spending time outdoors, which not only gives the eyes a break from close-up work but also helps reduce the risk of myopia. In addition, she encourages the adoption of the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of near work, take a 20-second break to focus on something 20 feet away.
Preventive habits should be supported by corrective measures when needed. Prescription glasses remain the most effective way to correct refractive errors in children, and the belief that glasses weaken eyesight is unfounded. On the contrary, the correct prescription helps the eyes focus properly and reduces strain. For older children aged between 10 and 12, contact lenses can be considered, provided strict hygiene is maintained to avoid infections. Regular eye screenings are equally important, starting at birth, followed by a comprehensive assessment at the age of three, or earlier if symptoms appear. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Nutrition also plays a vital role in maintaining healthy vision, says Chow Yu Fei, Registered Dietitian at SMCV. A balanced diet during early childhood supports optimal visual development, eye muscle coordination, and overall eye function. Key nutrients such as vitamin A, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential in maintaining clear vision and protecting the retina from harmful light. These nutrients can be found in everyday foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, eggs, spinach, broccoli, corn, salmon, mackerel, local favourites such as ikan tenggiri, ikan kembung and ikan patin, as well as walnuts and chia seeds. Deficiencies during this stage may impair night vision, reduce the retina’s natural defences against harmful blue light, and hinder retinal development and function.
By remaining alert to subtle warning signs, scheduling regular vision screenings, encouraging more outdoor time, and ensuring proper nutrition, parents can make a significant difference in protecting their children’s eyesight. With early intervention and consistent care, many childhood vision problems can be treated successfully, giving children the best possible start for a lifetime of healthy vision.
For enquiries, contact Sunway Medical Centre Velocity at +603 9772 9191 or visit www.sunmedvelocity.com.my.