Alarming Rise in Childhood Myopia in Vietnam

Myopia is surging among Vietnam's youth, with alarming numbers of children as young as five needing glasses. Doctors warn that unchecked nearsightedness can lead to lifelong vision problems, including amblyopia and retinal detachment.

Many parents mistakenly believe that simply updating prescriptions is enough to manage myopia. However, specialists stress the need for early detection, altered study habits, reduced screen time, increased outdoor activity, and specialized treatments when necessary.

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I think wearing glasses is enough. Every year, the family takes the child for an examination, checks how much the degree has increased, and then cuts new glasses.

Eye clinics in Ho Chi Minh City are overwhelmed with young patients. One mother shared that her 14-year-old daughter's myopia increased from over 1 diopter to 2.75 diopters in two years, while her 7-year-old son has hyperopia and astigmatism. The children spend hours on their phones, even before bed, a habit that began during online schooling.

Another parent noted her 8-year-old daughter's myopia progressed from 4.75 diopters to over 5 diopters in two years. The child is glued to screens after school and bends very close to her books while studying. Doctors advised reducing screen time and correcting posture to slow the progression. A 5-year-old's case also prompted a long journey to the eye hospital for a check-up.

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Doctors advised reducing screen time, correcting posture, and maintaining distance when reading and writing to limit the increase in degree.