A rising trend of young adults seeking eye surgeries to correct myopia has emerged in China, with a marked increase in procedures during the summer months. This surge is primarily driven by a desire for greater convenience and aesthetic improvement, as well as the need for clear vision in certain job sectors.
Li Tianyi, a 22-year-old who underwent eye surgery to treat her nearsightedness in the winter of 2022, has expressed satisfaction with the results of her procedure. After having artificial lenses implanted in her eyes, Li noted significant improvements in her day-to-day life.
“Before the surgery, my glasses were a hassle during exercise, they would fog up when wearing a mask, and they often smudged my makeup,” she explained. “Now, I don’t experience these issues anymore, and I don’t suffer from dry eyes or other complications.”
However, Li remains aware of the potential for her condition to relapse. “I’ve noticed my vision becoming slightly blurry if I spend long hours in front of a computer,” she added.
Li’s experience mirrors a broader trend among young adults in China, as more individuals in the 18-30 age group opt for surgical interventions to address myopia. Hospitals have reported a significant uptick in refractive eye surgeries during the summer months.
Zhang Qingsong, the director of the refractive surgery center at Wuhan Aier Eye Hospital in Hubei province, revealed that his clinic performed approximately 2,000 refractive surgeries per month in June and July — a figure that represents a twofold increase compared to earlier in the year.
“Eighty to ninety percent of our patients are between the ages of 18 and 30, including college students, white-collar workers, and job applicants seeking positions that require clear vision,” Zhang said. “Many patients are also opting for surgery for convenience or cosmetic reasons, rather than out of necessity.”
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common condition in China. According to the National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of myopia among Chinese children and adolescents stood at 51.9% in 2022.
Surgical treatments for myopia are generally classified into two categories: those that target the cornea and those that involve procedures inside the eye. The most common type of surgery uses lasers to reshape the cornea, while patients with severe myopia, like Li, may opt for an artificial lens implant.
Zhang noted that myopia surgery was first introduced in China in the 1990s, and its acceptance has steadily increased over the years. “More patients are now seeking surgery for aesthetic reasons or personal convenience, rather than practical needs such as meeting job requirements,” he explained.
However, experts caution that not all potential patients are suitable candidates for surgery. Wei Wenbin, a senior ophthalmologist at Beijing Tongren Hospital, emphasized the importance of thorough pre-operative assessments. Speaking at a recent press conference, Wei clarified a common misconception about laser eye surgery.
“A lot of people think the surgery can cure myopia,” Wei said. “In reality, the procedure only removes the need for glasses or applies the refractive function of glasses directly to the eye. It doesn’t address the structural changes in the eye caused by myopia.”
Wei also advised that patients who undergo surgery should have annual checkups to monitor for potential complications, particularly those related to the retina.
Zhang further explained that different surgical methods are suitable for different types of myopia, and patients should not necessarily seek the most expensive treatment options. He also noted the increased convenience of myopia surgeries: patients typically book appointments in advance and are instructed to use eye drops several days before the procedure. Most patients can return to work and normal activities the day after the surgery.
In conclusion, as more young adults turn to eye surgeries for both practical and cosmetic reasons, experts stress the importance of informed decision-making and regular follow-ups to ensure long-term eye health.
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