Hamburg Ophthalmologist Warns: Alarming Rise in Childhood Myopia
Hamburg, February 26 – A concerning trend is emerging in Hamburg, as ophthalmologists report a significant increase in the number of children suffering from myopia, or nearsightedness. Dr. Friedrich Flohr, an ophthalmologist with three decades of experience at MVZ Langenhorn, part of the Asklepios Group, points to excessive screen time on mobile phones as a primary culprit.
Mobile Phones: A Major Threat to Children’s Eyes
Dr. Flohr emphasizes that “intensive screen viewing at a young age leads to myopia.” He highlights that in some Asian countries, where this development is “particularly drastic,” mobile phone bans for children have been implemented, resulting in a reduction of childhood myopia. While the situation in Germany is not yet as severe, Dr. Flohr, from a purely ophthalmological perspective, strongly advises against children spending too much time on mobile phones.
“Intensive close-up viewing of small screens accelerates myopia. Period. It is only harmless once puberty is complete and the refractive error has stabilized,” says the experienced ophthalmologist. He urges parents to closely monitor their children’s screen time to mitigate these risks.
Screen Time and Adult Eyes: The Dry Eye Syndrome
For adults, screen time does not inherently damage the eyes. However, Dr. Flohr notes a common issue: “We observe that many people who spend a lot of time on computers increasingly suffer from dry eyes. This is because we blink less in front of a screen than we normally would.” He recommends taking occasional breaks and using over-the-counter moisturizing eye drops if necessary.
Another problematic factor for adults is direct sunlight shining from behind the screen. “Glare is difficult,” Dr. Flohr explains. “In such cases, you should change your seating position or ensure glare protection.”
Protecting Your Vision: What to Avoid and What to Do
When asked about general advice for maintaining good vision for as long as possible, Dr. Flohr’s answer is unequivocal: “Do not smoke. This applies in principle, but the blood circulation to the eye is also massively damaged by smoking.” Other conditions, such as cataracts, are age-related and cannot be prevented. The same applies to the need for reading glasses after the age of 40.
Dr. Flohr sees many patients with cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration, a circulatory disorder of the retina. While dry macular degeneration is currently untreatable, the more common wet form responds well to treatment. “Up to seven injections into the eye per year – sometimes for life – may initially be unpleasant, but they are enormously effective and significantly improve quality of life. Suddenly, those affected can see better again.”
Advances in Eye Surgery: A Source of Hope
Cataracts are operable, but glaucoma is initially insidious. “You don’t notice it. And when you do feel something, it’s already advanced. Therefore, it is advisable to have your eye pressure checked from the age of 40. This reveals the risk of the disease.”
Dr. Flohr expresses his passion for ophthalmology, stating, “The gratitude of patients who can suddenly see well or better again carries me through the day.” He often provides quick relief, which motivates him. The Hamburg native, who studied in Tübingen, Munich, and the USA, also highlights the immense progress in the field over the past 30 years, both in surgical techniques and imaging.
Dr. Friedrich Flohr, an ophthalmologist with approximately 30 years of experience, works at MVZ Hamburg-Langenhorn, which is part of the Asklepios Group.
