Can High Myopia Affect Eye Health?

Do you often find yourself squinting to see distant objects? If so, you might be dealing with a common visual condition called myopia or nearsightedness. It can sometimes intensify to high myopia, which is more than a significant blur as it can affect your overall eye health. Read on as our trusted eye doctor explains the impact of high myopia below.

Understanding High Myopia

Before diving into the health implications, it’s important to understand what high myopia is. It is characterized as an excessive lengthening of the eyeball, which causes light to focus not on the retina but rather in front of it. As a result, distant objects appear blurry.

Impact of High Myopia on Eye Health

High myopia, a severe variant of nearsightedness, can significantly influence eye health, leading to a wide range of serious visual impairments. We discuss some of the below:

• Retinal Detachment. It is possible for an optometrist to reach this diagnosis on patients with high myopia. Retinal detachment occurs because the elongation of the eyeball stretches and thins the retina, making it more vulnerable to tears or detachment. A detached retina can lead to significant vision loss if left untreated.
• Macular Degeneration. High myopia can also lead to macular degeneration, particularly myopic macular degeneration. This refers to the damage to the macula, the portion of the eye that is responsible for sharp, detailed central vision.
• Glaucoma. Studies have indicated a significant relationship between high myopia and the development of glaucoma, a condition characterized by optic nerve damage, resulting in vision loss and blindness.
• Cataracts. Highly myopic individuals are also more susceptible to developing cataracts at an early stage. Cataracts cloud the eye’s lenses, which can lead to blurred vision.

Prevention and Treatment

While myopia is generally a genetic condition and may be hard to prevent, its progression can often be controlled. Eye care professionals can perform an examination that can help in the early detection and management of the condition. Treatments for high myopia include corrective eyewear — eyeglasses or contact lenses — or refractive surgeries such as LASIK.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Living with high myopia can be challenging, but understanding its impact on your eye health, early detection and professional eye care can help manage it effectively. Don’t take chances with your vision, especially with high myopia. If you’re in Vienna or Fairfax, VA, call Vienna Eyecare Center at (703) 938-7633, or visit our contact page to schedule an appointment.