Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Nearsightedness is when light entering the eye is focused incorrectly, making distant objects appear blurred. Nearsightedness is a type of refractive error of the eye.

Symptoms – sees close up objects clearly, but objects in the distance are blurred. Squinting will tend to make far away objects seem clearer. Other symptoms may include, eyestrain or headaches. Nearsightedness is often first noticed in school-aged children. Children often cannot read the blackboard but they can easily read a book. Nearsightedness gets worse during the growth years. People who are nearsighted need to change glasses often. It usually stops progressing as a person stops growing in his or her early twenties.

There is no prevention for nearsightedness. Contradicting to common beliefs, reading and watching television do not cause nearsightedness. It is more due to long work of ‘near work’ without resting the eye. Examples of ‘near work’ are reading, writing, using computer, sewing, drawing or playing hand-held computer games..

Another probable cause of nearsightedness could be generic. If one or both parents are myopic, the child has a greater chance of being myopic too. For me, my eyes were spoilt during birth. Back then when babies have jaundice, we were placed under the light for hours without eye protection. I was under the light for more than a week, no eye patch at all. That was how my eyes were affected.

Joey has recently complained about having trouble seeing the lessons in school. She has to look at her classmates’ work instead. This has promoted us to bring her to the Health Promotion Board for a checkup. In fact all 5-6 years old child in Singapore will be checked by HPB in their respective Childcare or Kindergarten. Joey’s Kindergarten has not been scheduled yet so we have to go earlier.

Results are non-conclusive. She has to take an eye drop for a better check but Joey just recovered from fever yesterday, so the doctor suggested to administer the eye drop one week later. But sad to say, the preliminary results are not good. She will most likely need to wear specs soon.

Haji Lane

If there is a choice for me to spend my weekday afternoon at a place, it will be this quiet yet interesting place.

I have been around Haji Lane with friends quite a few times. But this is the first time I had my lunch at this Mexican restaurant.

From the menu to the deco, can see that Mexico is a very colorful country.

The chicken grill is very nice. Coupled with a cool lime juice, my afternoon was just perfect!

1..2..3..4..Hi 5!!

1 year old

2 years old

3 years old

4 years old

5 years old

Joey turns 5 this year. If you are a father like me, you will definitely understand that time flies! Every time I look at Joey and recalls the moment I first carried her in my arms when she was born, I can’t help but feel very very blessed. Albeit she can be quite naughty at times, I will always remember that she is my flesh and blood.

She makes my life interesting, she makes me a better man.

We did a simple family style celebration for her last Friday. Invited the cg members and their kids to join us. The theme is Pink!

Even the guests came in pink, almost everyone..

The kids’ favourite, ice cream with their own choice of toppings..

Even Jayne can choose too.

This is the first time we bought cup cakes, it’s easier for the kids to eat, everyone gets one.

A successful birthday party is when you have so many kids having fun with the birthday girl. And Joey is blessed to have all the cg kids celebrating with her this year.

Kuan family photo.

Happy Birthday Joey, papa loves you!!!

3D2N Ho Chi Minh City Trip – Day 3

Final day in HCMC. While the ladies went for breakfast in the hotel cafe, I slept a bit longer. Holiday time always passes so quickly.

One last place to visit before we go home. War Remnants Museum. It primarily contains exhibits relating to the American phase of the Vietnam War.

It’s pretty cool to see some of these war machines.

Actually when we first arrived in Vietnam, my thoughts were all about the Vietnam War, probably from the books and documentaries I have read and watched. The country felt like a nation that is still recovering from that ill period in history. And the visit to this museum opened more knowledge of the type of sufferings the people went through, both Americans and Vietnamese.

This is a cage used to lock the prisoners, even Joey will feel cramped up in it, let alone an adult.

Some other equipment of destruction.

Last walk along the streets of HCMC before we fly home.

This entire street has shops selling all kinds of trophies and plaques.

Found a yogurt shop, Kless insisted we have to give it a try. No regrets.

It’s DIY yogurt, you are charged according to how much you take.

We had a cool time..

In case you have not realised, motorcycles are the favoured vehicle in Vietnam. Hearsay, there is about 12 million bikes…

The last time I saw a road side barber was in Malaysia, this is so nostalgic!

Saw some very old buildings too. It just brought out the uniqueness of HCMC.

Of course the people are unique too. Love their smiles and easy-going nature.

Me: We are going home, are you ready to go Joey?
Joey: Can we stay for 7 days?

I think she doesn’t understand we have nothing else to do liao..but the idea of going home to see Nai Nai and Jayne brought a smile to Joey’s face again.

Bye Bye Ho Chi Minh City