Introduction

Welcome to our friendly blog post about pathological myopia, a condition that goes beyond normal nearsightedness. In this post, we’ll take you on a trip to learn more about this condition. We will look at what causes it, what its signs are, and how it might be treated. So, make yourself comfortable and let’s dive into the interesting world of pathological myopia!

What is myopia that can’t be fixed?

Normal myopia is mild to moderate nearsightedness that can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. It progresses slowly and does not typically lead to severe complications. Pathological myopia, however, is a severe form of nearsightedness that worsens rapidly and is associated with excessive elongation of the eyeball. It can result in high levels of myopia and increases the risk of complications like retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Pathological myopia requires specialized care and intervention to manage its progression and prevent vision loss.

Why and what could go wrong

We don’t fully understand what causes pathological myopia, but both genes and the environment play a part. Some people may be more likely to get the problem because it runs in their families. But external factors like too much work close to home and not enough time spent outside can also make it worse. So, if you want to keep your eyes healthy, make sure to take breaks from close work and spend some time outside.

Identifying the Signs

Pathological nearsightedness usually starts in childhood or youth and gets worse over time. To treat it on time, it’s important to catch the signs early. Keep an eye out for signs like hazy vision, squinting, eyestrain, headaches, and trouble seeing at night. If you or someone you care about has any of these symptoms, it’s best to see an eye doctor for a thorough eye check.

Problems and Effects on Eye Health

Pathological nearsightedness can lead to a number of problems that can have a big effect on eye health and vision. For example, the long shape of the eyeball makes it more likely that the retina will separate(retina detachment), which can cause blindness if not addressed. Also, people with severe myopia are more likely to get macular degeneration and glaucoma. Even though these problems may sound scary, catching them early and getting regular eye care can help control them and stop further vision loss.

Managing Pathological Myopia

Even though pathological myopia can’t be fully fixed, there are a few ways to deal with it and keep your eyesight. The refractive mistake can be fixed with corrective lenses like glasses or contact lenses, which make it easier to see. Orthokeratology is another option. This is a non-surgical method that includes wearing special contact lenses overnight to temporarily change the shape of the cornea so that you can see clearly during the day.

Preventive steps and choices about how to live

Even though we can’t change our genes, there are things we can do to slow the growth of pathological myopia. Getting nearsighted is less likely to happen if you spend time outside, especially as a child. Taking breaks from near work or screen time helps the eyes rest and keeps the eyes healthy. And don’t forget to make sure there is enough light when reading or using electronic devices to keep your eyes from getting tired.

Conclusion

Pathological myopia may be hard to deal with in its own way, but understanding the situation and taking action can make a big difference. Remember that the best way to keep your vision is to get regular eye exams and live a healthy life. So, enjoy the process of keeping your eyes healthy and always ask a professional for help when you need it. Here’s to a world where even people with pathological blindness can see clearly from far away.

Dr. Katherine Seng.

Ophthalmologist

EyeKath @ Assunta Hospital PJ