"In the past, many people lost their vision because we lacked specialized treatments for ophthalmic diseases. Today, medical methods improve every day," says Director Jeong Gyu-hyung. However, he offers a sobering reminder: because many eye conditions are irreversible, early diagnosis remains the only true way to protect your sight.
Director Jeong emphasizes that "timing" is the most critical factor in ophthalmology. "Many patients who visit us with blurred vision or frequent eye strain are already in the advanced stages of a disease," he warns. "Because many conditions are asymptomatic in their early stages, regular check-ups are vital before you notice any change."
- If I need to get an eye exam, how often should I do it?
"Just like receiving general health check-ups after turning 40, I recommend getting an eye exam at a nearby clinic once every one to two years. Crucially, the three major causes of blindness—glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration—often present no noticeable symptoms.
People with hypertension or diabetes must be particularly proactive. Treating ophthalmic complications from diabetes is essential to prevent the risk of blindness. In the past, we lacked specific medications for glaucoma and relied on altitude sickness drugs like Diamox; now, medications have improved significantly, allowing for effective lifelong management if detected early. Macular degeneration can also be halted if caught early through regular injections."
- Statistics show glaucoma cases have increased by 20% in four years. Is it really incurable?
"As of now, once glaucoma occurs, it is incurable. It is often called the 'silent killer' because it provides almost no warning signs and its onset causes are not always clear. Many patients do not realize anything is wrong until they are on the verge of losing their vision.
However, the earlier treatment begins, the better the prognosis. Those aged 40 and over, individuals with a family history of glaucoma, those with high myopia, recurrent migraines, or systemic vascular diseases like diabetes and hypertension are at higher risk. It is advisable for these groups to get checked even if their vision feels normal."
- The three major causes of blindness are known to be glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration, but can high myopia also lead to total blindness?
"The answer depends on how you define 'blindness.' If we include 'low vision'—where vision drops below 0.1 and daily life becomes impossible—then high myopia can indeed lead to significant vision loss. Complications such as glaucoma or retinal issues can occur as myopia worsens. While total blindness from myopia is very rare, the overall incidence of total blindness has decreased significantly due to modern medical advancements."
- Why do some elderly people suddenly find they can read small print again?
"It is not that their eyesight has improved; rather, they have developed a specific type of myopia. As we age, the lens can thicken or increase in volume, which raises its refractive power. Additionally, the center of the lens (the nucleus) can harden, which temporarily improves near vision. While it might seem like a miracle that an 80-year-old can suddenly thread a needle, it is actually a refractive change caused by the aging of the lens."
- In addition to the three major causes of blindness, there are cases where vision rapidly deteriorates due to acquired conditions like retinitis pigmentosa.
"That’s correct. Well-known figures like actor Song Seung-hwan and singer Lee Dong-woo have experienced vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa. This is a rare disease that gradually narrows the field of vision. The progression varies; some show symptoms in their 50s and lose vision in their 70s, while others experience night blindness in their 30s. There is currently no fundamental cure, so the focus remains on managing the progression and helping patients adapt to daily life."
- Many advertisements suggest that taking lutein, zeaxanthin, and Vitamin A supplements is essential for eye health. Is this true?
"There is no need to go overboard. Supplements are generally unnecessary for healthy people in their 20s and 30s who have no eye issues. Excessive Vitamin A intake can actually lead to hypervitaminosis, causing toxicity in the body. If you are in your 30s or 40s and your annual exam is clear, you don't need supplements.
However, as patients enter their 50s and 60s, those with specific retinal issues may benefit from lutein or zeaxanthin. Additionally, I must warn against washing your eyes with salt water. Salt is not sterile and can cause bacterial infections, and the granules can physically damage the cornea."
