Channel NewsAsia 19 Nov 14;
SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Wednesday (Nov 18) encouraged parents to help the younger generation fight short-sightedness by bringing them outdoors, as Singapore has one of the highest incidences of myopia in the world.
Citing an article by The Economist, Mr Lee said on his Facebook page that exposure to sunlight can reduce the risk of myopia. "Exposure to daylight helps the retina to release a chemical that slows down an increase in the eye’s axial length, which is what most often causes myopia," the article stated.
This is why he suggested parents can help their children by making sure they take frequent breaks from homework, and limiting the time spent playing computer games or watching TV. He added: "During this school break, why not take them out to enjoy our beautiful parks, beaches and gardens?"
The Health Promotion Board has also been working with schools to have more outdoor activities to balance time spent on work like reading and writing, Mr Lee noted.
- CNA/kk
