From the Research
High myopia can lead to several serious complications that threaten vision, including retinal detachment, choroidal neovascularization, glaucoma, and early cataract formation, as reported in a recent study 1. The most concerning complications of high myopia are:
- Retinal detachment, where the retina separates from the back of the eye
- Choroidal neovascularization, which involves abnormal blood vessel growth
- Glaucoma, characterized by increased eye pressure damaging the optic nerve
- Early cataract formation People with high myopia also face higher risks of:
- Macular degeneration
- Posterior staphyloma (outward bulging of the eye)
- Macular holes These complications occur because excessive eye elongation in high myopia stretches and thins the retina and other eye tissues, making them more vulnerable to damage, as noted in a study published in 2024 2. Regular comprehensive eye examinations are essential for those with high myopia, typically every 6-12 months depending on severity, and should include dilated retinal examinations to detect early signs of complications, as recommended by a recent review 1. Patients should be vigilant about symptoms like sudden flashes of light, new floaters, vision distortion, or shadow in peripheral vision, as these may indicate retinal detachment requiring immediate medical attention, as highlighted in a study on the clinical characteristics of retinal detachment in highly myopic eyes 3. Early detection and management of these complications can significantly improve outcomes and preserve vision, and it is crucial to develop effective strategies to improve both physical and emotional well-being of patients with high myopia, as emphasized in a recent study 1. The risk of visual impairment is strongly related to longer axial length, higher myopia degree, and age older than 60 years, as reported in a meta-analysis 4. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize regular eye examinations and monitoring for individuals with high myopia to prevent and manage these complications, as supported by the latest evidence 1.