High Nearsightedness (High Myopia)

Nearsightedness (myopia) is usually thought of as a glasses problem. When it is strong, about minus 6 or higher, it is called high myopia, and it also stretches the eye and thins the retina. That raises the lifetime risk of several sight threatening conditions, even when glasses give you clear vision.

Conditions linked to high myopia

• Retinal tears and detachment: the thin, stretched retina tears more easily. See warning signs.
• Glaucoma: higher risk, and the optic nerve can be harder to evaluate, so imaging is especially useful.
• Myopic maculopathy: thinning and scarring of the central retina.
• Earlier cataracts than average.

Why regular dilated exams help

Many of these changes cause no symptoms until they are advanced. A dilated exam of the peripheral retina can find weak areas or small tears that can be treated with laser before a detachment happens, and OCT imaging tracks the optic nerve and macula over time.

Children

Most high myopia starts in childhood and progresses fastest during the school years. Slowing progression lowers lifetime risk. Ask us about myopia control for kids.

LASIK and lens surgery

Vision correction surgery can reduce dependence on glasses, but it does not change the shape of the eye or the retina, so regular eye exams are still needed afterward.

Common questions

I see fine with my glasses. Why do I need a dilated exam?

Glasses correct focus but not the thinning and stretching inside a highly nearsighted eye. A dilated exam checks the retina and optic nerve for problems that do not cause symptoms early.

How often should I be examined?

Most adults with high myopia benefit from a dilated exam every one to two years, and sooner if you notice flashes, new floaters or a shadow in your vision.

Does LASIK lower my risk of retinal detachment?

No. LASIK changes the cornea at the front of the eye. The retina is still stretched, so the risk stays the same.