Cases of 'three major eye diseases' linked to blindness surge

A simulation of vision affected by macular degeneration, showing distorted buildings and dark spots in the field of view / Korea Times file

Cases of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy — known as the "three major eye diseases" that can cause blindness — have surged by nearly 37 percent in four years, data show. Experts are calling for greater public awareness and regular eye screenings, warning that these diseases often have no early symptoms yet can lead to irreversible vision loss.

According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service on May 26, the number of patients with macular degeneration increased from 200,471 in 2019 to 497,338 in 2023. When combined with patients suffering from glaucoma (about 1.19 million) and diabetic retinopathy (about 370,000), the total number of patients rose from around 1.5 million to over 2.06 million during the same period — an increase of approximately 37 percent. More than 80 percent of these cases involve patients over the age of 50.

Macular degeneration is a condition affecting the central part of the retina, or macula, which acts like the film in a camera and is essential for sharp vision. The disease occurs when waste accumulates or swelling and bleeding damages the macula, gradually leading to vision loss and, in severe cases, blindness. It is one of the leading causes of blindness among those aged 65 and older. Symptoms may include distorted or blurred vision, especially in the central field of view.

"Because the early symptoms of macular degeneration are often subtle, patients may not notice any problems," said Choi Kwang-eon, an ophthalmology professor at Korea University Guro Hospital. "If you notice distorted vision or abnormalities when covering one eye, you should seek an eye examination immediately."

Kil Hyun-kyung, chief of ophthalmology at Bundang Jesaeng Hospital, said, "Macular degeneration mainly occurs in people over 50 and is the leading cause of blindness in older populations globally. Regular eye exams are essential for detecting the disease and preventing permanent vision loss."

While the exact cause of macular degeneration remains unclear, risk factors include aging, smoking, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Choi also emphasized that "ultraviolet light can damage retinal cells and accelerate the progression of macular degeneration, so protective eyewear is necessary when spending long hours under strong sunlight."

Glaucoma, another major cause of blindness, occurs when the optic nerve is damaged — typically due to increased eye pressure from excessive fluid inside the eye. Glaucoma gradually narrows the field of vision, but most patients do not notice symptoms until about 30 percent of the optic nerve is already damaged.

In 2023, the number of glaucoma patients had increased by approximately 88 percent compared to 2013. This growth is expected to continue as the prevalence of risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension and high myopia rises. Notably, one in ten glaucoma patients is in their 20s or 30s, highlighting the need for awareness among younger populations.

Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, is another leading cause of blindness. It occurs when tiny blood vessels in the retina become damaged, leak fluid, or swell. Like the other two conditions, diabetic retinopathy often presents no symptoms in its early stages, making timely screenings essential.

Despite the importance of regular monitoring, screening rates remain low. A study by Kim Min-seok, an ophthalmology professor at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, found that only three in ten diabetes patients over the age of 40 (29.5 percent) had been screened for diabetic retinopathy within the past year.

Blindness has a profound impact on individuals' lives, increases the burden on families and leads to societal productivity losses. According to disability assessment criteria from the Korean Medical Association, losing vision in both eyes results in a labor capacity loss rate of 92 to 96 percent — higher than the rate for losing both arms (89 to 95 percent). The annual socioeconomic cost of macular degeneration alone amounts to 694.3 billion won (approximately 511 million dollars).

Experts are calling for the expansion of fundus photography screenings, which can detect retinal and optic nerve abnormalities quickly and cost-effectively by photographing the back of the eye. While some university hospitals and private health checkup centers offer this test, it is not yet part of the national health screening program.

"South Korea is experiencing one of the fastest aging populations in the world, so a national response to vision-threatening eye diseases is urgently needed," said Kim Chan-yun, ophthalmology professor at Severance Hospital and chairman of the Korean Ophthalmological Society. "Blindness imposes a heavy burden on both individuals and society, so policies to protect the nation’s eye health are essential."

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.