Sharp Increase in Macular Degeneration Among Millennials and Gen Z
High Myopia Identified as a Major Risk Factor
Early Diagnosis and Regular Eye Exams Are Essential
Recently, there has been a sharp increase in cases of macular degeneration among young people. While macular degeneration has traditionally been known as an age-related disease, "myopic macular degeneration" caused by high myopia is now being identified as a major cause. In particular, damage to the photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium in the central retina can lead to vision loss, highlighting the importance of ophthalmic examinations and early management among younger individuals.
High Myopia Increases Macular Degeneration Risk... Millennials & Gen Z Should Also Be Cautious
According to statistics on diseases of public interest from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of patients in their 20s and 30s who received treatment for macular degeneration surged more than threefold, from 2,046 in 2020 to 6,247 in 2024. This is believed to be the result of a higher prevalence of myopia due to increased use of electronic devices such as smartphones and PCs, as well as lifestyle changes that favor indoor activities starting from adolescence.
It is important to note that the risk of developing macular degeneration increases with the severity of myopia. In cases of high myopia, the back of the eyeball may protrude or elongate, causing the retina and choroid to become thinner and deformed. This can result in degenerative changes or the formation of new blood vessels in the macular area, leading to myopic macular degeneration. The more severe the myopia, the more pronounced these structural changes become, increasing the risk of onset. The causes and progression of myopic macular degeneration differ from those of age-related macular degeneration.
Low Awareness and Difficult to Detect... Early Diagnosis Is Key
The problem is that awareness of macular degeneration among young people is low, and without symptoms, few undergo regular eye examinations, making early diagnosis difficult. Most patients visit the hospital because straight lines appear wavy or objects look distorted. Even if one eye develops myopic macular degeneration, if the other eye remains normal, there may be little inconvenience in daily life, causing the individual to be unaware of the symptoms and seek medical attention only after a delay.
For this reason, experts emphasize that regular checkups for early diagnosis are extremely important. Those with high myopia should pay close attention to any unusual symptoms in their eyes and, in particular, not overlook any changes in vision. It is recommended to monitor for changes by undergoing retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus examinations, and axial length measurements about once a year. If you suddenly notice a distinct blur or dark area in the center of your vision or experience any noticeable loss of vision, you should seek immediate consultation with a specialist.
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