Management of High Myopia

“Myopia” refers to blurry eyesight caused by nearsightedness, or the inability of the eye to focus on objects at a particular distance away. High myopia refers to nearsightedness of a higher degree than average,usually above -6.00 diopters (worse than 20/400 uncorrected vision). As much myopia is progressive in nature, there is always concern in myopic patients that their condition will lead to higher and higher powers of myopia, hence “high” myopia.

Progressive high myopia generally does not lead to permanent vision loss or blindness, however axial elongation of the eye accompanied by progressive high myopia can lead to thinning of the light sensitive tissue known as the retina, which in turn can lead to retinal tears and retinal detachment. It can also lead to pathological myopia, where thinning of the macula occurs which can lead to permanent, even devastating vision loss.

Peer reviewed research exists that suggests which methods have the best chance of stabilizing changing vision due to progressive myopia. Overall, Orthokeratology (orthok) has been shown to have the greatest effect.. Orthokeratology is one of a class of therapies known as vision shaping treatments. OrthoK involves wearing orthokeratology lenses (ortho k lenses) during sleep, which gently reshape the surface of the cornea of the eye. Upon removal in the morning, clear vision is achieved which often lasts the entire day into the evening. Visit the myopia research library tab to reference research studies.

Options such as OrthoK, cornea refractive therapy including paragon crt (vision shaping treatment) are particularly helpful when seeking to improve eyesight in children, and reduce change in vision , specifically myopia in children and may, in some cases reduce the risk of children with myopia advancing to high myopia.

For more information, visit the myopia doctor directory and contact an eye myopia specialist near you.