The HEALTH | March-April. 2026

Effective education empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their vision care, helping them understand the benefits and practicalities of different treatments.

Optometrist Steven Lam Kam Fatt, the founder of KF Lam Optometrist & Contact Lens Centre, places a strong emphasis on educating his patients about the benefits of contact lenses, particularly for those with astigmatism.

CONTACT LENS ADVANTAGES

Transitioning from glasses to contact lenses often raises concerns regarding comfort and vision quality. Steven remains committed to addressing these issues, advocating for highquality toric contact lenses.

He explained: " This contact lens gives them more stable vision, especially for those patients who are active in sports." Contact lenses, as Steven points out, offer a broader field of view than glasses, which typically have a narrower field of view.

His proactive approach ensures that patients understand the advantages of contact lenses: " When I tell my patients the benefits of wearing contact lenses, there ' s no chance of breaking the contact lenses, unlike glasses."

This insight alleviates fears and encourages wearers to adopt a more active lifestyle.

Moreover, Steven highlighted an important aspect of modern contact lenses: their UV protection capabilities.

" High-quality contact lenses provide 90 per cent UVA protection and 50 per cent UVB," he explained, distinguishing them from glasses that can still allow UV light to penetrate the eye.

" If you correct the astigmatism with the right contact lenses, they always get a crisp and clear vision."

KF Lam Optometrist & Contact Lens Centre, Seremban

• Optometrists play a crucial role in educating patients about vision care options, empowering them to make informed decisions.

• Modern contact lenses offer significant UV protection, enhancing eye safety beyond what glasses can provide.

• Effective communication about the benefits and practicality of contact lenses helps alleviate patient concerns.

- Steven Lam Kam Fatt

Steven Lam Kam Fatt

ADAPTING TO MODERN CHALLENGES

The advancements in contact lens technology have significantly transformed how optometrists manage astigmatism, and Steven acknowledged their profound impact.

" If you correct the astigmatism with the right contact lenses, they always get a crisp

VISION SQUAD: KF Lam Optometrist & Contact Lens Centre team is here to support your journey to clearer vision. From left: Senior Sales Assistant Than Siew Mee, Manager Ooi Poh Ping, Sales Assistant Alfred Chong, Optometrist Steven Lam Kam Fatt, Senior Sales Assistant Liau Teng Teng, and Sales Assistants Chua Ai Koon and Kee Poh Yee

and clear vision." This not only ensures comfort but also effectively reduces eye strain and headaches, allowing patients to maintain optimal vision throughout the day.

Although fitting these contact lenses often requires around 10 to 15 minutes, an investment Steven considers necessary, he firmly believes that thorough consultation and education lead to better patient outcomes and satisfaction.

GROWING CONCERN

Reflecting on nearly 30 years of practice, Steven has observed an upward trend in astigmatism prevalence, particularly among children and teenagers.

" I have seen an upward trend in the prevalence of astigmatism among patients for the past 15 years," he noted, indicating that this issue has intensified due to the increased screen time many youngsters experience today.

Steven highlighted the implications of prolonged exposure: " When their eyes get tired, and the itchiness begins, they then start rubbing their eyes." This habit of rubbing can irritate the cornea, leading to unevenness and, subsequently, astigmatism.

As digital device usage continues to soar, it becomes increasingly important for eye care practitioners( ECPs) to educate their patients.

By promoting understanding and proactive management of vision problems such as astigmatism, ECPs can help ensure that patients maintain not only clear vision but also overall eye health.- The HEALTH

2026PP06894