SEOUL — Modern screen habits and dwindling outdoor play are fueling a sharp rise in nearsightedness among children and teenagers, recent health data reveals.

According to statistics compiled by the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA), the total number of myopia patients in the country topped 1.1 million in 2024. Young people aged 0 to 19 made up 655,942 of those cases—roughly 58 percent of the national total. The figures reflect a steady upward climb from 579,667 young patients recorded in 2020.

Recognizing the Red Flags

Myopia occurs when the eyeball elongates, causing incoming light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it, rendering distant objects blurry. While genetics play a substantial role—especially if both parents are nearsighted—children rarely notice their own deteriorating eyesight.

Ophthalmologists note that frequent squinting while watching television or reading a classroom board is a classic warning sign, as narrowing the eyes temporarily sharpens focus.

Experts emphasize that myopia extends far beyond the inconvenience of wearing glasses. If it advances into high myopia (typically defined as –6 diopters or worse), the risk of severe, vision-threatening complications escalates dramatically. Studies show that individuals with high myopia face a 12- to 13-fold higher risk of retinal detachment and a 3- to 7-fold increase in developing glaucoma, alongside elevated risks for myopic macular degeneration. Because these conditions can cause permanent vision loss, proactive management during developmental years is critical.

Combating Progression

While standard refraction tests can quickly diagnose childhood myopia, specialists often use specialized dilating eye drops to rule out "pseudomyopia"—a temporary blurriness caused by strong eye muscle spasms in children—before confirming a diagnosis.

To halt or slow the worsening of myopia, medical professionals recommend several therapeutic interventions, which clinical studies suggest can cut progression rates in half:

Orthokeratology Lenses ("Dream Lenses"): Highly popular among parents, these specialized rigid contact lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. They allow children to see clearly during the day without glasses while utilizing a specialized peripheral optical design to slow down the elongation of the eyeball.
Low-Dose Atropine Drops: Pharmacological eye drops administered nightly to relax eye focusing mechanisms and inhibit myopia progression.
Specialty Lenses: Functional eyeglasses or contact lenses engineered specifically for myopia management.
Daily Habits Matter

Medical experts stress that clinical interventions must be paired with healthy lifestyle habits. Children should spend at least one to two hours outdoors daily to absorb natural sunlight, which has been shown to help protect against myopia onset.

When engaging in close-up tasks like reading or digital device use, families are encouraged to practice the "20-20-20 rule": every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet (6 meters) away. Furthermore, using screens in poorly lit rooms strains the eyes and should be strictly avoided.

Ophthalmologists recommend routine check-ups every three to six months to monitor vision changes and tailor intervention strategies effectively.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]