Myopia, or nearsightedness, is no longer just a concern for schoolchildren — it has become one of the fastest-growing vision health issues in the world. How do screens affect the shape of the eye? Why does vision unexpectedly worsen in adults? And when is the right time to consider more long-term solutions?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2050 myopia will affect half of the world’s population — around 5 billion people. The increase has been especially dramatic among children: between 1990 and 2023, the prevalence of myopia nearly tripled. However, the issue is not limited to children. In Europe, myopia among young adults has already reached approximately one-third of the population.
What Is Really Happening to Our Eyes?
Myopia is anatomical in nature: the eyeball becomes too long, causing the image of distant objects to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. As a result, distant objects appear blurry, while nearby objects remain clear.
“Myopia is often seen simply as a need for glasses. In reality, however, it is a physical change in the eye itself that can have long-term consequences for eye health,” explain the optometrists at KSA Silmakeskus. The issue is not just about the strength of your prescription — it is about the fact that the structure of the eye has already changed.
Screen Time and Indoor Living — The Biggest Enemies of Vision
Why do eyes begin to elongate? One of the clearest contributing factors is screen time. A large-scale analysis involving more than 335,000 participants found that each additional hour of screen time per day increases the risk of developing myopia by approximately 21%. At four hours per day — which is now almost a minimum for modern office work — the risk is already nearly doubled.
At the same time, natural daylight plays an important protective role. For example, during the pandemic, when children spent significantly less time outdoors and screen time increased from 2.1 to 5.6 hours per day, the progression of myopia accelerated noticeably. This means that even 1–2 hours outdoors each day can be critically important in slowing down worsening vision.
Myth: Vision Stabilizes After the Age of 20
There is a common belief that vision no longer worsens in adulthood. Unfortunately, this is a myth. More than 90% of adult-onset myopia cases develop between the ages of 18 and 30. Studies show that 14% of young adults with normal vision at age 20 develop myopia by the age of 28.
“Regular eye exams are important even when your eyes feel completely normal — progression can be slow and go unnoticed,” emphasize the optometrists at KSA Silmakeskus.
The Hidden Risks of High Myopia
Increasing “minus” prescriptions are not just a matter of convenience. High myopia (starting at approximately −5 to −6 diopters) significantly increases the risk of serious eye diseases that cannot be solved simply by changing glasses.
- Retinal detachment — the risk is 39 times higher compared to people with normal vision
- Glaucoma — each additional diopter increases the risk by approximately 20%
- Macular degeneration — at −6 diopters, the risk increases by approximately 41 times
- Cataract — the likelihood of needing surgery is 3.4 times higher
Glasses Don’t Cure It — So What’s the Solution?
It is important to understand that glasses and contact lenses do not treat myopia or stop the elongation of the eyeball — they are simply visual aids, not a final solution. So how can you regain your quality of life and freedom?
If your myopia has stabilized, one of the most modern and effective solutions is laser vision correction. At KSA Silmakeskus, we offer Flow3 — an advanced, touch-free and flap-free laser procedure where the laser works only on the surface of the cornea. The entire procedure takes just a few minutes and is painless.
More than 35,000 people have already freed themselves from glasses at KSA.
“I was shocked because I could see with my own eyes!” and “The best decision of my life!” are just some of the emotions shared by patients who have undergone the procedure.
Take the first step toward clear vision — without leaving home. Take the KSA quick test to find out whether laser vision correction could be an option for you, or book a comprehensive Flow3 eye examination that gives you full clarity on whether this myopia-correcting laser procedure is right for your eyes.
