Can High Myopia Affect Eye Health?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a common visual condition that impairs one’s ability to see distant objects clearly. While mild cases are easily managed, high myopia, a more severe form, poses significant risks to eye health. Read on as we discuss it further.

More About High Myopia

High myopia is characterized by a prescription of -6.00 diopters or more, indicating a severe level of nearsightedness. This condition usually originates in childhood due to the eyeball becoming elongated more than normal or the cornea being too curved. Genetics play a crucial role in its development, with individuals with nearsighted parents being at a higher risk. The progression of high myopia can continue into the early adult years, unlike mild myopia, which often stabilizes after adolescence.

The Health Risks Associated With High Myopia

High myopia increases the risk for several serious eye diseases that can lead to vision loss if not appropriately managed. Specifically, people with high myopia are at an elevated risk for developing conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts and retinal detachment. The severity of these conditions often correlates with the degree of myopia. For instance, the risk of retinal detachment is significantly higher in people with high myopia compared to those without the condition.

How To Manage High Myopia

Recognizing and managing high myopia early is crucial in mitigating the potential health risks it poses. Regular comprehensive eye exams, especially for children with a family history of nearsightedness, is a must. Advanced diagnostic tools and specialized care enable the early detection and management of high myopia.

Myopia Management

There are a variety of methods to help slow the progression of myopia. These include prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, orthokeratology (ortho-k), and atropine eye drops. Starting myopia management as early as possible is key to preventing the condition from escalating to high myopia.

Surgical Options

For some adults, surgical interventions such as LASIK or PRK may be viable options to correct high myopia. These procedures reshape the cornea, allowing light to focus properly on the retina and improving distance vision. However, candidacy for these surgeries depends on several factors, including the overall health of the eye.

Lifestyle Modifications

In addition to clinical interventions, changes in lifestyle can also play a role in managing myopia. Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors and limiting close-up activities like reading and screen time might help slow the progression of myopia.

At Lumen Optometric, we offer myopia management for children, in partnership with Treehouse Eyes®, the country’s leading myopia management service. The revolutionary system is designed to treat your child’s myopia and significantly reduce the threat of more serious eye diseases. To schedule a consultation, call us at (626) 921-0199, or fill out our form.