KOTA BARU: More than 300 primary school pupils in Kelantan have been diagnosed with eye problems following a screening campaign conducted by Universiti Sains Malaysia Specialist Hospital (HPUSM).
The children were found to have been suffering from conditions such as strabismus (squint) and amblyopia (lazy eye) over the past three years.
HPUSM ophthalmologist Dr Ng Kwang Sheng said the findings should serve as a wake-up call.
He stressed that early intervention is crucial, particularly for children with squints.
“Treatment as early as at the age of five is crucial to ensure proper development of the nerve connections between the eyes and the brain, prevent amblyopia (lazy eye) and allow normal binocular vision to develop,” he told Bernama recently.
Dr Ng said treatment depends on the type and severity of the strabismus, with some patients requiring a second surgery.
The success rate for squint surgery in Malaysia is high, ranging from 85% to 90%, helping patients not only improve their vision but also boost their self-confidence.
“Squint eye problems often cause patients, especially children, to feel embarrassed or suffer from low self-esteem, but modern treatment can restore their visual function, appearance and psychosocial well-being,” he said.
Dr Ng advised parents to remain vigilant about their children’s eye health and seek early medical examination if they notice signs of squinting or other symptoms of vision problems.
He also advised that children below the age of two should not be exposed to electronic gadgets, while those aged between two and five should have their screen time limited to no more than one hour a day.
Dr Ng added that HPUSM is among the specialist hospitals offering squint surgery at an affordable cost of less than RM1,000.
