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TUMCREATE, a multidisciplinary research platform of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Singapore, and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine) are spearheading a research project to delve into the impact of light exposure on reducing myopia in school children and promoting healthy ageing.
At the heart of this initiative is the development of the innovative smartphone app, “LightUP,” which delivers a personalised behaviour-modification programme. Far from a typical health app, LightUP aims to empower parents to manage their children’s light exposure to prevent myopia, while also assisting senior citizens in enhancing sleep quality, cognition, alertness, and mood.
The LightSPAN project is strategically designed to leverage behaviour as a key intervention strategy, targeting two crucial life stages: childhood and adolescence, and late adulthood. The central focus is on optimising light exposure through the revolutionary LightUP mobile app.
This app utilises data collected by a novel wearable light sensor, measuring both visible and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Through personalised visualisations of daily light exposure trends and daily notifications, the app encourages users to modify their behaviour for improved circadian rhythms, alertness, mood, and cognition.
The Co-Principal Investigator of the LightSPAN project, Professor Manuel Spitschan, stressed that there are no set standards for older citizens in Singapore or around the world for appropriate light exposure. The study project intends to enable people to proactively manage their well-being through plentiful and accessible light exposure, with a focus on mental well-being and preventive care.
The LightUP application, with its scalable potential for nationwide adoption, presents a low-threshold behavioural intervention that aligns with the prevalent use of smartphones among Singaporeans. It serves as a tool to deliver the right light at the right time, fostering healthier habits for overall well-being.
Assistant Professor Raymond Najjar, Co-Principal Investigator of the LightSPAN project, emphasised the critical role that outdoor exposure and natural sunlight play in reducing myopia risk, especially in children. The project seeks to introduce innovative, evidence-based strategies for myopia prevention, empowering parents to monitor and cultivate healthier daily light exposure habits for their children.
The research project is not just a local initiative but aligns with the global shift towards preventive healthcare. With a focus on behavioural health interventions and lifestyle improvements, mobile apps are gaining traction for their potential to enhance public health outcomes. Simple yet effective strategies, such as text reminders, have already demonstrated their impact in improving medication adherence and reducing missed appointments.
The project, funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and led by Professor Manuel and Assistant Professor Raymond, extends beyond conventional healthcare practices. It strives to create a technology-driven healthcare ecosystem, utilising mobile phones to deliver non-invasive, low-threshold behaviour-changing programmes. The ultimate goal is to empower individuals, especially the elderly, to proactively adopt a healthy light exposure lifestyle, ensuring better eye development, cognitive functioning, and mental well-being throughout their lives.
In collaboration with local health and education agencies, the research team aims to establish evidence-based design recommendations and guidelines for optimal light exposure. This holistic approach not only addresses myopia prevention but also encompasses broader aspects of physical, mental, and emotional health promotion in Singapore. As the nation grapples with an ageing population and a high prevalence of myopia, this research project represents a significant step towards a healthier and more resilient future.
