Orbis Macau has recently revealed the results of its data findings from its Orbis’ 2025 online quiz, which show that of the 168 valid responses received, nearly 75 percent reported having myopia, even though 80 percent of that figure has not been classified as high myopia, while a “concerning lack of preventive awareness” was also found.
This year’s online quiz, which was part of Orbis Macau’s two-month long 2025 Action for Sight campaign that raised over 580,000 patacas and concluded earlier this month, focused on one of the most common eye issues worldwide: myopia, aka nearsightedness. The quiz aimed to increase public awareness while also collecting data on their understanding of the eye disease, along with their eye care habits, according to a statement by the non-profit charity yesterday.
The quiz data came from a wide age range and was analysed by the Ying An Medical Centre and the Macau Eye Care Association, also found that more than 80 percent of the quiz respondents reported not having annual eye exams, while nearly 40 percent said they had never undergone a vision check, the statement said.
The statement noted that respondents also demonstrated “basic understanding” of myopia but there was still a “significant lack of awareness on key issues”. This is shown in an example where over 60 percent of the respondents were unclear or mistakenly believed that laser surgery “could correct not only nearsightedness, but also other eye diseases or complications related to myopia” when it only adjusts how the eye focuses light and does not reverse the elongation of the eyeball.
The data was revealed during the Myopia and Eye Health Talk presented by ophthalmologist Dr Lo Peng Iok at Edu Plus City in Taipa Flower City Plaza. A Free Eye Screening Day also took place, with both events part of the 2025 Action for Sight that ended on December 5.
Regarding high myopia, Dr Lo explained that this is when your glasses prescription is -6.00 dioptres* or stronger. This condition means your eyeball is longer than normal, which can stretch and thin the retina and other delicate internal tissues. This increases the risk of retinal detachment, muscular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma, among other serious problems that can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness, highlighting the importance of having regular eye exams.
Among other topics, Dr Lo also discussed eye care tips, noting the importance of developing healthy habits such as having annual eye checks, getting enough sleep, reducing prolonged near-work and use of digital devices, and spending more time outdoors, while youngsters should also limit excessive screen time.
The statement highlighted the prevalence of myopia among children worldwide, noting that one in three children globally is myopic, a number that could continue to grow.
The statement pointed out that Dr Lo recommended that children three-years-old and older should have regular eye checks, ideally every six months, while adults should have their eyes checked at least once a year. Early consultation was also urged when symptoms such as blurred vision, image distortion, or other abnormalities arise.
*A dioptre is a unit that measures the optical power of a lens. It indicates how strong a lens is in bending light. A higher dioptre means a stronger lens. -Source: Poe
This photo provided by Orbis Macau yesterday shows its recent Free Eye Screening Day at Edu Plus City in Taipa Flower City Plaza.
