What factors affect children's myopia progression speed?

Epi-LASIK (which is essentially photorefractive keratectomy/PRK) refers to laser treatment of the surface of the cornea, after the surface layer of epithelial cells has been peeled away. After treatment, the surface of the eye/cornea is ‘raw’ and has no epithelial covering. This epithelial layer grows back eventually, but the time it takes to grow back and become normal again is what causes the delayed healing of epi-LASIK/PRK versus conventional bladeless/femtosecond laser LASIK.

Yes, atropine 0. 01% is indeed licensed and legal in Singapore, and dispensed by private and public eye centres, such as the Singapore National Eye Centre. Do note that it is NOT used to TREAT myopia, ie it cannot REVERSE myopia. It’s purpose is to PREVENT the worsening of myopia in children, typically from the ages of 6 – 12 years old. The reason why it’s not available in other countries, is likely because Singapore was one of the first countries to demonstrate that very low dose atropine (0. 01%, as opposed to 0.