Eye health concerns rise in Czech Republic amid increase in myopia

In observance of World Sight Day, health experts are highlighting a significant rise in vision problems in the Czech Republic. Data from the Institute of Health Information and Statistics (ÚZIS) shows that the number of children with myopia has increased by 30 percent over the last decade, driven largely by modern lifestyles involving excessive screen time and insufficient exposure to natural daylight.

Statistics from 2024 indicate that over 1.71 million patients were regularly monitored in eye clinics, a more than 20 percent increase compared to 2021. Approximately 15 percent of these patients are children and adolescents, frequently presenting with refractive errors, strabismus, or keratoconus. Adults are more commonly affected by cataracts and macular degeneration.

To combat digital eye strain and prevent long-term damage, specialists recommend the ‘20-20-20 rule’: every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet (approximately 6 meters) away for 20 seconds. Experts also emphasize the importance of spending at least two hours outdoors daily and maintaining regular eye examinations, particularly for those over 40 or with hereditary predispositions.