A growing number of teenagers are experiencing a surge in physical and mental ailments commonly associated with prolonged use of digital devices, a condition known as Visual Display Terminal (VDT) syndrome. Recent data from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA) in South Korea reveals a significant increase in VDT syndrome patients, with a particularly sharp spike among adolescents over the past five years.
VDT syndrome is an umbrella term for health issues resulting from extended use of computers, smartphones, and tablets. It encompasses a range of symptoms, from musculoskeletal problems like neck and wrist pain (often referred to as 'text neck' or carpal tunnel syndrome) to eye-related issues such as dry eye and eye strain. HIRA's data shows that while patients in their 50s still make up the largest age group, the rate of increase among teenagers is the most alarming. The number of teen VDT syndrome patients jumped by 37.4% from 289,000 in 2020 to 398,000 in 2024. This trend is largely attributed to the widespread adoption of smartphones and other mobile devices, which has made screen time a ubiquitous part of daily life for this demographic.
The problem is not unique to South Korea. Globally, studies have shown a similar rise in VDT-related issues among young people, especially following the shift to remote learning and social interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to some research, the prevalence of symptoms like eye strain and dry eyes can be as high as 66% among adolescents who use digital devices for more than two hours a day. The constant, repetitive use of these devices for academic purposes, gaming, and social media forces the eyes to maintain a fixed focus for long periods and can lead to a reduced blink rate, exacerbating dry eye symptoms.
The financial burden of this trend is also increasing. The total cost of medical treatment for VDT syndrome in South Korea surged by 55.8% over the past five years, from approximately $578.1 million to $944 million. This dramatic rise in healthcare expenses highlights the growing public health challenge posed by excessive screen use.
Experts emphasize that prevention is the most effective approach. They recommend maintaining proper posture and taking regular breaks, following the "20-20-20 rule" (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds). Additionally, the top of the monitor should be at or slightly below eye level, and users should sit at an arm's length from the screen. Taking short breaks to stretch and move around every hour is also crucial for preventing musculoskeletal issues. Raising awareness about the risks of VDT syndrome and encouraging healthy digital habits are essential steps to protect the health of the younger generation.
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