Taiwan strengthens myopia prevention through regular screenings

Early detection helps reduce high myopia rates.

Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital is implementing regular screenings and a range of treatments to manage and prevent myopia in children and address the condition early.

“Most parents…know that myopia is a disease,” said Wu Pei Chang, Director of the Myopia Prevention and Treatment Center at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. “Our school nurse, every semester, will check the region acuity for every child.”

The hospital employs both pharmacological and optical treatments to slow myopia progression and prevent the development of high myopia. One is using a low concentration of atropine, which has been shown to prevent high myopia. Optical options include orthokeratology, dual-focus contact lenses, and peripheral defocused spectacle lenses.

In addition to these interventions, Kaohsiung promotes lifestyle practices like spending time outdoors to support eye health. “We want children to have very good habits…take a break for 10 minutes and go outdoors every day, 120 minutes,” Wu emphasised.

To ensure effective treatment, the hospital conducts biannual check-ups for each child.

With increasing parental awareness and systematic prevention measures, Taiwan has seen a decline in myopia prevalence over the past decade. The country continues to focus on reducing both general and high myopia rates, supported by a comprehensive approach to early intervention and patient education.