No Longer Just an Aging Disease? Why Annual Eye Exams Are a Must

Red light for eye health.

Macular degeneration, widely known as a disease of aging.

It is reportedly growing rapidly among those in their 20s and 30s these days.

According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of patients treated for macular degeneration increased by nearly 70% in 2025 compared to 2021.

While older patients account for the majority, with 85% of all patients aged 60 and older, patients in their 20s and 30s also increased by 65% over the same period.

High myopia driven by the increased use of digital devices such as smartphones is cited as a major cause.

Experts advise that those with high myopia should get an eye exam about once a year.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.