Dr Fazilawati Binti A Qamarruddin at Sunway Medical Centre in Sunway City urges early eye screening for Malaysians to detect squinting, cataracts and related conditions that impair vision and daily activities.

Squinting, or strabismus, was described as affecting children and adults, with impacts on vision, depth perception, learning and confidence. It often arose from uncorrected refractive errors, nerve problems, trauma or tumours.

Dr Fazilawati said between 2% and 4% of children globally had strabismus and many Malaysian cases remained undetected until school performance or social confidence were affected.

She warned that untreated squinting could lead to amblyopia, or lazy eye, as the brain favoured the clearer eye. She recommended vision screening by age three and again before primary school.

Cataracts were reported as common in older Malaysians, especially those over 60, and more likely in people with diabetes, smokers or those exposed to sunlight. Untreated cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma were leading causes of adult blindness in Malaysia.

Dr Fazilawati said early assessments and glasses could delay cataract surgery, which was considered when glasses no longer helped and daily activities were affected. She described modern phacoemulsification surgery using ultrasound and small incisions, with many cases done as day surgery and most patients resuming light activities within a week.

She cited smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, excessive UV exposure and screen time as risk factors for eye problems. She recommended the 20-20-20 rule for screen users and advised eye exams at age 40, before school for children, and annually for adults with diabetes.

Early detection was said to support better learning, independence and quality of life, while delaying exams risked missing opportunities for simple treatment.