Book an appointmentWhat is high myopia (nearsighted)?
Myopia (nearsighted) is a problem of refraction of the eye, in which light converges in front of the retina and not on it, giving poor distant vision. Pathological myopia (nearsighted), magna or high myopia (nearsighted) occurs when the refractive error is greater than 6 diopters.
It produces a degenerative eye disease that tends to increase with age (it is myopia (nearsighted) that does not stop at the end of adolescence), and is usually accompanied by alterations in the eyeball (axial axis much larger than normal), thinning of the layers eyepieces and others complications.
High myopia (nearsighted) occurs in 2% of the population, being more frequent in certain ethnic groups such as jews or japanese, but it does not have a clear hereditary component.
Why does high myopia occur?
Like myopia (nearsighted), it is due to the fact that the eyeball is more elongated than normal, but it can also be caused by an abnormal curvature of the cornea or lens that causes light to converge more than is desirable. It is common for people with a family history of Disease, are more prone to myopia (nearsighted).
This is high myopia
How does high myopia (nearsighted) manifest?
Patients with high myopia (nearsighted) present blurred distant vision, but they may also present wavy lines (metamorphopsia), or spots in the visual field. High myopia (nearsighted) can also affect the macula or central retina, which can lead to loss of central vision.
High myopia (nearsighted) can lead to serious structural alterations due to excessive and progressive elongation of the eyeball, such as:
- Loss of cells from the retina and choroid (chorioretinal atrophy), and even from the macula.
- Myopic macular hole.
- Retinal haemorrhages.
- Retinal detachment and retinal tears.
- Optic nerve disorders.
Treatment of high myopia
It is not advisable to treat high myopia (nearsighted) with LASIK laser. Instead, a good option is the intraocular implantation of phakic lenses.
In addition, some of the complications that develop in patients with this disease can be treated through intravitreal surgery (macular hole, retinal detachment…) or intravitreal injections (neovascular macular membrane).
High myopia prevention
Myopia (nearsighted) cannot be prevented. It is important to perform periodic eye check-ups to treat the complications associated with this disease early.
Summary
Debut
It does not occur at a specific age.
Symptoms
Wavy lines or spots in the field of vision, as well as decreased visual acuity.
Revision
It is recommended specially for myopic patients to carry out periodic ophthalmological controls to check the retina, since many of the complications are asymptomatic.
Prevention
Early detection of complications associated with the disease.
