High School Student Diagnosed with Glaucoma Due to Mobile Game Addiction and Academic Pressure, Nearly Blind
A 17-year-old high school student was diagnosed with glaucoma, nearly losing his sight, attributed to excessive mobile gaming and academic pressure. Ophthalmology Director Lu Zi-rong of Fengyuan Hospital warned that prolonged use of 3C products is contributing to a younger trend in glaucoma cases.
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- 📰 Published: May 4, 2026 at 12:13
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Central News Agency (CNA) reporter Chao Li-yen in Taichung reported on May 4 that a 17-year-old high school student surnamed Lin, due to heavy mobile gaming and academic pressure, recently experienced blurred vision on the blackboard. Initially, he thought his myopia had worsened, but later experienced visual field obstruction and left eye deviation. Upon medical examination, he was diagnosed with glaucoma. His left eye is already close to the brink of optic nerve atrophy, and any delay could lead to irreversible blindness.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare Fengyuan Hospital issued a press release today, in which Ophthalmology Director Lu Zi-rong pointed out that the patient, due to heavy mobile game use and academic pressure, spent long hours using mobile phones and tablet computers, often using his eyes at close range in dim environments. He initially experienced blurred vision, but mistakenly thought it was worsening myopia and did not seek timely attention. It wasn't until corrective lenses were ineffective and symptoms continued to worsen that a medical examination revealed a progressive eye disease.
Lu Zi-rong explained that glaucoma is a degenerative disease of the optic nerve. If intraocular pressure rises or optic nerve perfusion is insufficient, it leads to gradual compression of nerve fibers, eventually causing progressive loss of peripheral vision, and in severe cases, irreversible blindness.
Lu Zi-rong noted that early glaucoma often lacks obvious symptoms and is thus called "the thief of vision." Some patients have normal-tension glaucoma, meaning optic nerve damage can still occur even without significantly elevated intraocular pressure, which increases diagnostic challenges. After diagnosis, the medical team provided intraocular pressure-lowering medication, and arranged regular visual field and optic nerve structure follow-ups. Currently, his condition is stable.
Lu Zi-rong emphasized that optic nerve damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible. The core of treatment is to lower intraocular pressure and slow down the rate of deterioration. If necessary, laser or surgical intervention must be evaluated to preserve remaining visual function.
Lu Zi-rong warned that aging, "three highs" (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia), myopia, and heredity are all risk factors for glaucoma. In recent years, with increased use of 3C products and a rising proportion of high myopia, glaucoma patients in Taiwan are showing a trend towards younger ages. Prolonged close-up eye use and excessive reliance on 3C products can cause fluctuations in intraocular pressure and increased visual load, becoming inducing or aggravating factors. (Edited by Chang Ya-ching)
The Ministry of Health and Welfare Fengyuan Hospital issued a press release today, in which Ophthalmology Director Lu Zi-rong pointed out that the patient, due to heavy mobile game use and academic pressure, spent long hours using mobile phones and tablet computers, often using his eyes at close range in dim environments. He initially experienced blurred vision, but mistakenly thought it was worsening myopia and did not seek timely attention. It wasn't until corrective lenses were ineffective and symptoms continued to worsen that a medical examination revealed a progressive eye disease.
Lu Zi-rong explained that glaucoma is a degenerative disease of the optic nerve. If intraocular pressure rises or optic nerve perfusion is insufficient, it leads to gradual compression of nerve fibers, eventually causing progressive loss of peripheral vision, and in severe cases, irreversible blindness.
Lu Zi-rong noted that early glaucoma often lacks obvious symptoms and is thus called "the thief of vision." Some patients have normal-tension glaucoma, meaning optic nerve damage can still occur even without significantly elevated intraocular pressure, which increases diagnostic challenges. After diagnosis, the medical team provided intraocular pressure-lowering medication, and arranged regular visual field and optic nerve structure follow-ups. Currently, his condition is stable.
Lu Zi-rong emphasized that optic nerve damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible. The core of treatment is to lower intraocular pressure and slow down the rate of deterioration. If necessary, laser or surgical intervention must be evaluated to preserve remaining visual function.
Lu Zi-rong warned that aging, "three highs" (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia), myopia, and heredity are all risk factors for glaucoma. In recent years, with increased use of 3C products and a rising proportion of high myopia, glaucoma patients in Taiwan are showing a trend towards younger ages. Prolonged close-up eye use and excessive reliance on 3C products can cause fluctuations in intraocular pressure and increased visual load, becoming inducing or aggravating factors. (Edited by Chang Ya-ching)