Excessive Use of Digital Devices Leads to Surge in 'VDT Syndrome' Among Teenagers
With the widespread use of digital devices, there has been a rapid increase in teenagers reporting physical discomforts such as neck pain, wrist pain, and dry eyes due to prolonged usage of smartphones and computer monitors.
According to the National Health Insurance Service's statistics on diseases of public interest released on the 2nd, the total number of patients diagnosed with 'Visual Display Terminal (VDT) Syndrome' in 2023 reached 7,052,497.
VDT Syndrome refers to physical and mental disorders that occur when individuals work for extended periods while looking at screens of computers, smartphones, tablets, etc.
The NHIS classifies common conditions associated with VDT Syndrome, such as cervicogenic headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, and dry eye syndrome, under this term for statistical purposes.
As mobile device usage has become routine, the number of patients with VDT Syndrome continues to show a consistent upward trend.
The number of patients, which was 6,285,000 in 2020, increased to 6,549,000 in 2021, 6,622,000 in 2022, and 6,944,000 in 2023, indicating a yearly rise. The increase rate in 2023 compared to 2020 was 12.2%.
Particularly noteworthy is the sharp rise in teenage patients. In 2023, there were 398,000 teenage patients with VDT Syndrome, marking a 37.7% increase from 289,000 in 2020.
In the past, VDT Syndrome was primarily considered an occupational disease among workers; however, it has recently begun to spread rapidly among teenagers who actively use digital devices like smartphones and tablets.
Experts indicate that the increased reliance on digital devices and the shift to remote learning following the COVID-19 pandemic are significant factors contributing to the rise in VDT Syndrome among teenagers. They emphasize the importance of maintaining proper posture, taking adequate breaks, and managing eye health.
Image source: Photos provided by the National Health Insurance Service, illustrative photos for better understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank
