Understanding the Risks Associated with High Myopia
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common condition that affects an estimated one-third of the global population (Holden et al., 2016). High myopia, a more severe form of the condition, involves a refractive error of -6.00 diopters or greater, and presents heightened risks for several serious eye health complications.
This blog post will delve into some of the most common risks associated with high myopia: macular degeneration, retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. We will outline their likelihood of occurrence and discuss how each of these conditions manifests.
Myopic Macular Degeneration (MMD)
This condition results from the progressive and pathological remodelling of the retina and choroid, regions at the back of the eye, and can lead to severe vision loss or blindness. Studies suggest that the prevalence of MMD increases as the degree of myopia increases, with about 10.2% of individuals with high myopia developing MMD (Ohno-Matsui et al., 2018).
Retinal Detachment
High myopia can also predispose an individual to a condition known as retinal detachment. This is when the retina pulls away from the blood vessels supplying oxygen and nutrients, leading to vision loss. The incidence of retinal detachment in high myopia patients is about 10 times higher than in the general population (Wong et al., 2015).
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure within the eye. The risk of glaucoma is approximately two times higher in people with high myopia compared to those without (Marcus et al., 2011).
Cataracts
Finally, there is also a heightened risk for cataracts, which involve clouding the eye's natural lens, leading to impaired vision. The risk of developing cataracts is about 3 times higher in high myopia patients than those without this condition (Pan et al., 2012).
In conclusion, while myopia is a common condition, high myopia presents more significant risks for serious eye health complications, including MMD, retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. Regular eye check-ups are crucial for early detection and treatment to maintain optimal vision and eye health.
References
Holden, B. A., Fricke, T. R., Wilson, D. A., Jong, M., Naidoo, K. S., Sankaridurg, P., ... & Resnikoff, S. (2016). Global prevalence of myopia and high myopia and temporal trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology, 123(5), 1036-1042.
Ohno-Matsui, K., Kawasaki, R., Jonas, J. B., Cheung, C. M., Saw, S. M., Verhoeven, V. J., ... & Moriyama, M. (2018). International photographic classification and grading system for myopic maculopathy. American journal of ophthalmology, 159(5), 877-883.
Wong, T. Y., Ferreira, A., Hughes, R., Carter, G., & Mitchell, P. (2015). Epidemiology and disease burden of pathologic myopia and myopic choroidal neovascularization: an evidence-based systematic review. American journal of ophthalmology, 157(1), 9-25.
Marcus, M. W., de Vries, M. M., Junoy Montolio, F. G., & Jansonius, N. M. (2011). Myopia as a risk factor for open-angle glaucoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ophthalmology, 118(10), 1989-1994.
Pan, C. W., Wong, T. Y., Chang, L., Lin, X. Y., Lavanya, R., Zheng, Y. F., ... & Saw, S. M. (2012). Myopia and age-related cataract: a systematic review and meta-analysis. American journal of ophthalmology, 154(5), 778-786.
