Rising Glaucoma Rates in Singapore Linked to Untreated Myopia

Singapore is experiencing a concerning trend: an increase in glaucoma diagnoses among younger adults, particularly those in their 40s and 50s. Experts attribute this rise to the prevalence of untreated myopia – nearsightedness – in previous generations.

The Connection Between Myopia and Glaucoma

Studies have demonstrated that untreated myopia can lead to the elongation of the eyeballs. This structural change weakens the eye and optic nerve, increasing the risk of developing glaucoma ¹. Glaucoma is characterized by a buildup of fluid inside the eye, which increases pressure and can damage the optic nerve, potentially leading to blindness.

Increasing Surgical Interventions

Data from the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) reveals a significant increase in glaucoma surgeries among middle-aged individuals. The number of procedures performed on patients aged 40 to 49 nearly tripled between 2015 and 2025, rising from 22 to 60 surgeries ¹. Similarly, surgeries on those aged 50 to 59 almost doubled, increasing from 95 to 183 during the same period ¹.

Prevalence of Glaucoma in Singapore

According to a 2015 study published in the JAMA Ophthalmology journal, the prevalence of glaucoma in Singaporeans aged 40 to 49 was approximately 11.4%, while it was 22.1% for those aged 50 to 59 ¹. The prevalence continued to rise with age, reaching 29.4% for those aged 60 to 69 and 37.1% for those aged 70 to 80 ¹.

The Role of High Myopia and Myopic Macular Degeneration

High myopia, defined as severe nearsightedness of 600 degrees or more, poses additional risks. A study of around 9,000 adults aged 40 to 80 found that 36% had myopia, and 6% had high myopia ¹. Among those with high myopia, approximately 30% suffered from myopic macular degeneration (MMD), a condition that can lead to vision loss due to the stretching and thinning of the retina ¹.

The Myopia Society of Singapore

In response to these growing concerns, the Myopia Society of Singapore was formally registered on December 26, 2025 ¹. The society, comprised of optometrists, ophthalmologists, paediatricians, and researchers, aims to educate parents, establish best clinical practices, and improve public eye health.

Progress in Myopia Control

Singapore has seen some positive progress in reducing myopia rates among young children. The rate in Primary 1 pupils has decreased from around 30% in the mid-2000s to approximately 26% in recent years, thanks to early detection and interventions like annual screenings conducted by the Health Promotion Board ¹. However, experts caution against complacency, emphasizing the lifelong risks associated with high myopia.

Treatment Options and Challenges

Treatments to slow myopia progression, such as specially designed lenses and atropine eye drops, have become more accessible in the past decade. Clinical studies suggest that myopia-control lenses can retard progression by at least 50% ¹. Despite their effectiveness, uptake rates remain low, with less than 10% of those prescribed these lenses actually purchasing them, often due to higher costs. The market also contains numerous “copycat” products that lack scientific backing and may not effectively control myopia ¹.

The Myopia Society of Singapore plans to release a consumer guide to help parents navigate the market and choose appropriate products for their children. They also intend to leverage social media to reach young parents and promote awareness about vision care.