High myopia: over 8 dioptres

Patients with high myopia, who account for around 2% of the population, are more likely to suffer certain eye diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts and, more particularly, retina-related disorders such as retinal detachment, central retinal degeneration due to atrophic plaques, vessel growth in the macular area below the retina, myopic macular hole or separation of the macular retina layers, known as schisis.

The most common symptoms in myopia patients with retina problems are wavy lines or hazy spots in their field of vision and loss of visual acuity. In some cases, the lesions may go unnoticed until the patient undergoes a full ophthalmic check-up.

How can it be prevented?

The pathological elongation of the eyeball is the cause of retina problems in high myopia sufferers, as this is affected by the stretching or detachment of its layers.

Regular ophthalmic check-ups detect lesions to the retina that might otherwise go unnoticed.

People with more than 8 dioptres have certain limitations to treatment, such as refractive surgery with Excimer laser, which is recommended for patients with less than 8 dioptres. There are techniques, however, such as intraocular lens implantation, which are a good option. This is weighed up in consultation and a decision is made as to the most suitable type of lens for each patient, for his/her cornea type, and his/her visual needs.

Myopia sufferers with more than 8 dioptres must undergo a full ophthalmic check-up at least once a year, or more often if your ophthalmologist recommends as such.

Visit your ophthalmologist urgently in the event of a sudden loss of visual acuity or the sudden appearance of wavy lines, flashes or hazy spots in your field of vision.

• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Retinal detachment
• Myopic macular hole
• Degeneration of the central retina caused by atrophic patches
• Growth of blood vessels beneath the retina in the macular area
• Separation of the layers of the macular retina, known as schisis.