High myopia operation
High Myopia Operation
High myopia refers to a refractive error greater than 8 dioptres, affecting approximately 2% of the population. This condition leads to difficulty seeing objects at a distance and increases the risk of various serious eye disorders.
What is High Myopia?
Myopia is a refractive defect where images are focused in front of the retina, making distant vision difficult. When this refractive error exceeds 8 dioptres, it is classified as high myopia. High myopia increases the risk of developing the following eye conditions:
- Retinal detachment
- Degeneration of the central retina caused by atrophic patches
- Growth of blood vessels beneath the retina in the macular area
- Myopic macular hole
- Separation of the layers of the macular retina (schisis)
These conditions can significantly affect visual acuity and the patient's quality of life, particularly in those of working age.
What Causes High Myopia?
High myopia occurs when the eyeball is elongated or the cornea is more curved than normal. A family history of the condition increases the likelihood of developing high myopia.
Prevention
While high myopia cannot be prevented, regular eye check-ups can help detect and manage associated complications early.
Symptoms
- People with myopia see objects clearly up close but experience blurred vision at a distance.
- High myopia patients often report seeing wavy lines or opaque spots in their vision and may notice a loss of visual acuity.
- Regular eye exams are crucial for monitoring the retina and detecting any damage, as symptoms may not always be evident.
Associated Treatments
Unlike mild myopia, high myopia patients are generally discouraged from undergoing laser surgery for corneal refractive corrections.
The best options for treating high myopia include:
- Phakic intraocular lens implantation: A lens placed between the cornea and the crystalline lens to correct vision.
- Intravitreal injections or ocular microsurgery may be needed if high myopia is associated with macular conditions.
Treatments for High Myopia:
- Vitrectomy: A surgical procedure to treat complications like retinal detachment or macular conditions.
- Refractive surgery with intraocular lenses: For correcting visual defects.
- Intravitreal injections: To treat macular pathologies associated with high myopia.