Myopia is an ocular disorder commonly known as short-sightedness, which makes an affected person see near objects clearly while distant objects appear blurred.

In Singapore, the prevalence of myopia is one of the highest worldwide. About 30% children become myopic by the age of 7 and by age 12, the figure rises to 50%.

To date, there is no cure for myopia. Therefore, it is crucial to help prevent the onset of myopia in children because being impaired at an early age also heightens their risk of developing eye diseases later in life.

While the causes of myopia are unclear, studies have indicated that excessive near work leads to or worsens myopia. Yet, it would be unrealistic to stop children from engaging in these activities when reading, using the computer and playing handheld games are part and parcel of student life.

Instead, parents and caregivers can help prevent the onset or progression of myopia by teaching good eye care habits and ensuring that the home and study environment is well suited for their children’s eyes, whether for learning, gaming or even television watching!

Good eye care habits

- Within the home, take a break from near work every 30 to 40 minutes by looking at something far.

- Discourage children from playing handheld games when traveling or on the move.

- When reading, place book at least 30cm away from eyes while sitting in a comfortable adjustable chair. Ensure lighting is sufficient without direct glare on the book or face.

- When watching television programmes or playing video games, keep a distance from the TV that is appropriate to its size. Room lighting should be switched on and the height of the television set is at eye level or lower. Lying down to watch programmes should be discouraged.

- When using computer, place monitor screen at least 50cm away from eyes. Sit in an upright position and do not lean forward towards the monitor screen. Adjust monitor screen 10 to 15 degrees below eye level, with the keyboard directly in front of monitor. Ensure there is adequate lighting and adjust the screen of the computer to reduce glare from reflection of other light sources.

The Love Eye Inverter Desk Lamp from Panasonic is a series of high quality lightings ideal for near work activities.

Using electrical circuits instead of magnetic ballast, the INVERTER circuits illuminate fluorescent lamps by converting the normal 50Hz alternating current to a high frequency 55,000Hz current.

INVERTER Power 1
Flicker-free light (gentle on the eyes)

A fluorescent lamp turns on and off 100 times per second with a 50Hz alternating current. With the INVERTER circuit, the current is increased to 55,000Hz which eliminates eye-straining flicker.

INVERTER Power 2
Comfortable brightness

The smaller the text, the brighter the light needs to be if it is to be read easily. The Love Eye Inverter Desk Lamp allows even the smallest text to be read without eye strain.

INVERTER Power 3
Quick lighting

Inverter technology enables quick lighting with pre-heating that prevents lamp-end blackening and shorter lamp life.

INVERTER Power 4
Energy savings

Highly efficient inverter technology enables energy savings compared to magnetic ballast lights.

INVERTER Power 5
Protect your children’s eyes

Children’s eyes are highly sensitive and are easily strained. To prevent this, it is important to create a bright, comfortable lighting environment for them. The Love Eye Inverter Desk Lamp helps to protect children’s eyes.

INVERTER Power 6
Long life fluorescent lamp

The life of a fluorescent lamp for the Love Eye Inverter Desk Lamp is 6 to 7.5 times longer than incandescent lamps, resulting in much fewer lamp replacements (once every 5 to 7 years), thus saving time and money.