Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is becoming a growing concern in the Philippines. This condition, which causes distant objects to appear blurry while nearby objects remain clear, is not just a minor inconvenience. It has serious implications for education, productivity, and quality of life.
As lifestyles shift towards more screen time and indoor activities, myopia is expected to affect even more Filipinos—especially children. Recognizing, managing, and preventing myopia is crucial for protecting vision health across the country.
This guide will help you understand what myopia is, why it’s rising in the Philippines, how it affects daily life, and what you can do about it.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia is a refractive error in which the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved. As a result, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This causes distant objects to appear blurry.
Common Symptoms
- Blurred distance vision
- Squinting
- Headaches from eye strain
- Difficulty seeing road signs or the board in classrooms
Myopia usually begins in childhood and can progress with age. Left unmanaged, it can increase the risk of more serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment or glaucoma.
What Causes Myopia?
Several factors contribute to the development of myopia:
- Genetics
If one or both parents are nearsighted, the chances of a child developing myopia are significantly higher.
- Environmental Factors
Modern lifestyles often mean prolonged time spent indoors, focusing on near objects—phones, tablets, books, and computers. Limited exposure to natural sunlight has also been linked to rising myopia rates.
- Increased Screen Time
Filipino children and adults alike spend hours daily on digital devices. Excessive near work like this may strain the eyes and contribute to myopia progression.
Myopia in the Philippines: The Progressive Numbers
The Philippines is facing a myopia crisis.
According to the Philippine Department of Health and the Philippine Eye Research Institute, as of 2023:
- Over 2.17 million Filipinos suffer from visual impairment.
- More than 500,000 are classified as blind.
- Myopia is the leading cause of correctable vision loss among school-aged children.
- A study showed 59% prevalence of myopia in a clinic-based Filipino population.
- Another report found that 16% of high school students already show signs of visual impairment.
The World Health Organization also estimates that by 2050, half of the global population may be affected by myopia—many of them from developing nations like the Philippines.
Impact on Daily Life
- Education
For students, poor vision means difficulty reading classroom materials or participating fully in lessons. This can affect academic performance and self-esteem.
- Work and Productivity
Adults with uncorrected myopia may struggle with tasks that require distance vision—such as driving or presentations. This reduces job efficiency and safety.
- Mental and Emotional Well-Being
Children and adults may experience frustration, isolation, or anxiety due to vision problems, especially when they’re unaware that help is available.
Prevention and Lifestyle Changes
While some factors are beyond our control, certain habits can reduce the risk or severity of myopia.
- Encourage Outdoor Play
Studies show that children who spend at least 2 hours a day outside have lower myopia rates.
- Limit Screen Time
Apply the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Proper Lighting
Avoid reading or using devices in dim lighting.
- Regular Eye Checkups
Ensure children get their eyes examined at least once a year, even if no symptoms are present.
Correcting Myopia for Better Vision
Myopia is more than a vision problem—it’s a public health challenge in the Philippines. Left unchecked, it can interfere with learning, work, and everyday living.
The good news is that with proper awareness, early detection, and effective management, myopia can be corrected.
At Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics, we are committed to helping Filipinos achieve clearer vision and healthier lives. Through advanced diagnostics, customized treatment plans, and compassionate care, we empower you and your family to take control of your eye health.
For expert consultation, book an appointment with us today and see the difference.
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Citations and Resources
Shinagawa LASIK & Aesthetics strives to provide accurate and reliable information regarding LASIK procedures and eye health. We utilize primary sources to support our content, including peer-reviewed scientific studies, data from reputable medical organizations, and expert opinions. We also reference established publications and research where appropriate.
Our commitment to evidence-based information ensures that you receive trustworthy and up-to-date details to make informed decisions about your eye care.
Resources Used in This Article
- Research Gate. “Refractive errors in Filipino eyes in a single-center population, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267326365_Refractive_errors_in_Filipino_eyes_in_a_single-center_population“
- PubMed. “Global prevalence, trend and projection of myopia in children and adolescents from 1990 to 2050: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39317432/“
- Review of Myopia Management. “Myopia Management in the Philippines: An International Perspective, https://reviewofmm.com/myopia-management-in-the-philippines-an-international-perspective/“
- Review of Myopia Management. “10 Myopia Management Facts to Remember, https://reviewofmm.com/10-myopia-management-facts-to-remember/“