A child wearing glasses stands in front of an eye chart. Courtesy of Kim's Eye Hospital

As the use of smartphones and other digital devices increases, more children are experiencing deteriorating vision.

Experts advise that regular eye exams should begin at age 3 and that screen time should be limited to one hour per day.

Amblyopia, or lazy eye, often presents early symptoms such as the frequent closing of one eye or a tendency to rely on one eye for vision. Additional signs include difficulty grasping objects or tilting the head while viewing things. Myopia, or nearsightedness, causes blurred vision at a distance, leading children to hold digital devices closer to their eyes. Strabismus, or crossed eyes, can be indicated by misaligned focus or frequent squinting in bright sunlight.

Because amblyopia, myopia and strabismus can affect growth and learning, early detection and treatment are crucial. Kang Min-chae, a pediatric ophthalmologist at Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, said, “If children show these symptoms, they should receive an eye examination immediately. The earlier childhood vision problems are treated, the better the prognosis.”

Amblyopia is commonly treated by covering the stronger eye to encourage the weaker eye's use or by prescribing atropine eye drops to activate the weaker eye. Myopia can be managed with orthokeratology lenses, known as "dream lenses," which are worn overnight to reshape the cornea and slow myopia progression. Increasing outdoor activities can also help reduce myopia's advancement. Strabismus treatment includes wearing prism glasses or, in severe cases, undergoing corrective surgery.

Parental involvement is essential in preventing childhood vision problems. Kang said, “Children should have regular eye exams at ages 3 and 6 and before starting elementary school. Maintaining adequate lighting while reading or studying and spending at least two hours outdoors daily is also important.”

A study published last year in the British Journal of Ophthalmology by a Chinese research team found that the myopia rate among Korean children was approximately 73 percent, twice the global average of 36 percent.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.