degenerative myopia

Degenerative Myopia: A Serious Eye Condition

Degenerative myopia, also known as pathologic myopia or myopic macular degeneration, is a severe form of nearsightedness that can lead to significant vision loss and even blindness if left untreated. This condition affects approximately 3% of the world's population, with symptoms often present from early childhood.

Characteristics of Degenerative Myopia

Degenerative myopia is characterized by specific degenerative changes occurring at the back of the eye, which can cause damage to the retina and other layers. The retina becomes so thin that cells in the retina can die slowly, leading to progressive vision loss [1]. This condition is distinct from mere nearsightedness, as it involves a more severe form of myopia that worsens over time.

Causes and Risk Factors

Degenerative myopia is often hereditary, with individuals having a higher risk if their parents or siblings have the condition. The condition can also be caused by the eyes growing too long, leading to high-grade myopia [15]. People with prescriptions stronger than -6.0 diopters are considered at a higher risk, and those with prescriptions over -10.0 diopters are at an even greater risk [14].

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of degenerative myopia include sudden onset flashes and floaters, reduced vision, and a curtain or shadow in the affected eye [8]. In severe cases, individuals may experience significant vision loss, which can be irreversible.

Prevention and Treatment

While there is no cure for degenerative myopia, early detection and management can help slow down its progression. Wearing corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, can help alleviate symptoms. However, in advanced cases, more severe treatments may be necessary to prevent further vision loss [4].

References:

[1] Context result 6 [2] Context result 2 [3] Context result 9 [4] Context result 5 [14] Context result 14 [15] Context result 15

Degenerative myopia, also known as pathologic myopia or high myopia, is a severe form of nearsightedness that can cause significant vision loss if left untreated.

Common signs and symptoms:

• Reduced vision despite wearing glasses or contacts [1]
• Seeing wavy lines instead of straight lines [2]
• Noticing blind spots in your visual field [1]
• Changes in color perception [2]
• Blurring in parts of your vision [5]
• Straight lines that look wavy [5, 8]
• A blind spot in the middle of your visual field [5]

Other symptoms:

• Faraway objects looking blurred or fuzzy while close items appear clear [3]
• Headaches and eye strain due to prolonged use of eyes [3]
• Tiredness when driving, playing sports, or engaging in activities that require focused vision [3]
• Floaters and flashes in the visual field [8]

Complications:

• Myopic CNV (choroidal neovascularization) is a common cause of vision loss in high myopia, affecting 5-10% of cases [4]
• Thinning retina can make it necessary to protect the retina from damage by wearing protective lenses [6]
• In severe cases, the walls of the eyeball become extremely stretched, leading to retinal detachment and other complications [7]

It's essential to consult an eye doctor if you experience any of these symptoms or have concerns about your vision. Early detection and treatment can help prevent further vision loss.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [2] - Context result 2 [3] - Context result 3 [4] - Context result 4 [5] - Context result 5 [6] - Context result 6 [7] - Context result 7 [8] - Context result 8

Degenerative myopia, also known as pathologic myopia or degenerative nearsightedness, can be diagnosed through various diagnostic tests.

• Fundus examination: A comprehensive eye exam that includes a detailed retinal exam is crucial in identifying the tell-tale signs that differentiate this degenerative form from standard myopia [10]. This test helps to identify characteristic features of degenerative myopia.
• Fluorescein Angiography (FA): FA is useful for evaluating myopic patients for development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) [2, 4]. Early detection of CNV can help in managing its complications.
• Indocyanine Green Angiography: This test helps to visualize the choroid and detect any abnormalities that may be associated with degenerative myopia [14].
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): OCT is a non-invasive imaging test that provides detailed images of the retina and can help diagnose degenerative myopia, as well as its complications such as CNV [4, 13].
• Dilated eye exam: A dilated eye exam can also be used to check for signs of degenerative myopia, including damage to the retina and new abnormal blood vessels [11].

These diagnostic tests are essential in identifying degenerative myopia and its potential complications, allowing for early intervention and management.

Treatment Options for Degenerative Myopia

Degenerative myopia, also known as pathologic myopia, is a progressive condition that causes worsening nearsightedness. While there is no complete cure for this condition, various treatment options can help slow down or halt its progression.

• Anti-VEGF Injections: Injections of anti-VEGF medications into the affected eye can help control degenerative myopia by reducing the growth of new blood vessels in the retina (Context 6).
• Laser Treatment: Laser photocoagulation has been used to treat degenerative myopia, although its effectiveness is still being researched (Context 5).
• Photothermal Laser Ablation: This treatment involves using a laser to ablate (remove) new blood vessels in the retina, which can help slow down the progression of degenerative myopia (Context 7).

It's essential to note that these treatments are not cures for degenerative myopia and may only provide temporary relief. In most cases, providers can treat nearsightedness with glasses, contact lenses, or corrective surgery like LASIK (Context 8). However, some cases of pathologic myopia require more specialized treatment.

Current Research and Developments

Researchers are continually exploring new treatments for degenerative myopia. For example, a study published in 2020 highlighted the importance of addressing this condition due to its rapidly increasing prevalence worldwide (Context 13).

While these treatment options show promise, it's crucial to consult with an eye care professional to determine the best course of action for individual cases.

References:

• Context 6: Injections of anti-VEGF medications into the affected eye can help control this condition.
• Context 5: Laser photocoagulation has been used to treat degenerative myopia, although its effectiveness is still being researched.
• Context 7: This treatment involves using a laser to ablate (remove) new blood vessels in the retina, which can help slow down the progression of degenerative myopia.
• Context 8: In most cases, providers can treat nearsightedness with glasses, contact lenses, or corrective surgery like LASIK.
• Context 13: Myopia is currently a major public health concern because of its rapidly increasing prevalence worldwide and the threat to vision.

Differential Diagnosis of Degenerative Myopia

Degenerative myopia, also known as pathologic myopia or myopic maculopathy, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity with other eye conditions. The differential diagnoses for degenerative myopia include:

• Age-related macular degeneration: This is a common condition in older adults that can cause vision loss and blindness.
• Choroidal rupture or angioid streaks: These can be mistaken for lacquer cracks, which are characteristic of degenerative myopia.
• Retinal pigment epithelial changes from previous central serous chorioretinopathy: This is a condition where fluid accumulates under the retina, causing vision loss.

Key Points to Consider

• Degenerative myopia is a severe form of myopia that can cause significant vision loss and blindness if left untreated.
• The differential diagnoses for degenerative myopia are important to consider when making a diagnosis, as they can mimic the symptoms of this condition.
• A thorough examination by an eye specialist, including fundus examination and diagnostic testing such as fluorescein angiography, is essential to confirm the diagnosis.

References

• [8] Pathologic myopia is a newer name for degenerative myopia. People with pathologic myopia may experience vision loss due to degenerative changes in the posterior segment of the eye.
• [10] The differential diagnoses for degenerative myopia include age-related macular degeneration, choroidal rupture or angioid streaks, and retinal pigment epithelial changes from previous central serous chorioretinopathy.
• [11] Fluorescein Angiography is useful for evaluating myopic patients for development of CNV.