What is pathologic myopia?
Pathologic myopia, also known as high myopia or degenerative myopia, is a severe form of nearsightedness that can cause significant structural changes to the eye and lead to vision loss. It is defined as myopia of -6.00 diopters (D) or more, although some experts use a cutoff of -5.00 D.
In pathologic myopia, the eyeball elongates excessively from front to back, causing the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, to stretch and become thin. This can lead to a variety of complications, including:
- Retinal detachment: This occurs when the retina separates from the underlying choroid, the layer of blood vessels that supplies the retina with oxygen and nutrients. Retinal detachment is a serious condition that can lead to blindness if not treated promptly.
- Macular degeneration: This is a condition in which the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision, deteriorates. Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, and it is more common in people with pathologic myopia.
- Glaucoma: This is a condition in which the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain, is damaged. Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, and it is more common in people with pathologic myopia.
- Other complications: Pathologic myopia can also lead to other complications, such as cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye), floaters (dark spots or lines that float in the field of vision), and strabismus (misalignment of the eyes).
Pathologic myopia is usually diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor will measure your refractive error (the amount of nearsightedness or farsightedness you have), examine the back of your eye, and take measurements of the length of your eyeball.
There is no cure for pathologic myopia, but there are treatments that can help slow the progression of the condition and reduce the risk of complications. These treatments include:
- Eyeglasses or contact lenses: These can help correct nearsightedness and improve vision.
- Orthokeratology: This is a type of contact lens therapy that is worn at night to reshape the cornea, the clear front cover of the eye.
- Atropine eye drops: These drops can help slow the progression of myopia in children.
- Laser surgery: This can be used to correct nearsightedness and reduce the risk of complications.
If you have pathologic myopia, it is important to see your eye doctor regularly for monitoring and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of vision loss.