Myopia rates among Singapore's teens are among the world's highest, driven by academic pressure, long hours of near work, and screen time. Researchers recently reviewed 13 studies on whether simple eye exercises—where teens practice shifting focus between close and distant objects—could help prevent or slow this common problem.
The studies examined near-far accommodation exercises, virtual reality-based training, and sports vision programs. All involved children and adolescents, though the review doesn't specify a single sample size since it synthesised multiple studies of varying scales.
Eye exercises do improve focus ability
The encouraging finding: studies showed that these exercises improved how well children could see at different distances and strengthened their eye's ability to focus and adjust. Some evidence even suggested near-far exercises may slow axial elongation—the actual lengthening of the eyeball that worsens myopia. This is more than just making vision feel clearer temporarily; it hints at slowing the underlying problem.
But the evidence is still too inconsistent to promise prevention
Here's the important catch: the researchers couldn't confirm these exercises consistently prevent myopia or stop it from developing. The 13 studies varied widely in how they were run, how long they tracked children, and what they measured. This inconsistency means we can't yet say with confidence that eye exercises alone will prevent your teen from becoming myopic or stop progression once it starts. More rigorous, long-term research is needed.
A useful addition, not a standalone solution
For Singapore families, this research suggests eye exercises could complement existing care—alongside regular eye check-ups and prescribed treatments like atropine drops, which have proven effectiveness. The appeal for busy families is real: these are simple, no-cost activities that might make a real difference. But they're not a replacement for professional eye care or medical interventions your optometrist may recommend.
How to start safely
- Have your teen's eyes checked by an optometrist to establish baseline vision and rule out other issues before beginning exercises.
- If your optometrist approves, incorporate 10–15 minutes of near-far focus switching daily into your teen's routine alongside outdoor time.
- Continue regular eye check-ups every 6–12 months to track whether exercises are making a measurable difference for your teen's specific vision.