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What is Degenerative Myopia? Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
Degenerative myopia, also known in medical terms as pathological or progressive myopia, is a unique form of nearsightedness. This condition is commonly characterized by a person's ability to see nearby objects clearly while struggling with blurry vision for distant objects.
At EyeCare Associates, we understand that degenerative myopia goes beyond typical nearsightedness. It often arises from high myopia, a severe form of nearsightedness. However, degenerative myopia is distinguished by specific changes at the back of the eye, which can be severe and potentially lead to blindness if not properly managed.
Diagnosing degenerative myopia involves a thorough eye examination, focusing on the retina. This detailed assessment is crucial to spot the specific signs differentiating degenerative myopia from regular myopia. Join us as we explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments of degenerative myopia at EyeCare Associates.
Development of Degenerative Myopia
Degenerative myopia is a relatively rare condition, impacting about 3% of the global population. It typically starts from childhood, similar to common nearsightedness. The primary cause is the abnormal elongation of the eyes, causing the retina and other back-of-the-eye tissues to stretch and weaken. This leads to a progressive worsening of vision, termed 'degenerative myopia.'
This condition also tends to be hereditary. Having a family history of degenerative myopia increases the likelihood of developing it, highlighting the importance of regular eye exams from an early age for early detection and effective management.
Symptoms of Degenerative Myopia
Degenerative myopia can lead to several noticeable changes in vision due to the damage it causes to the back of the eye. Symptoms include:
Reduced Vision: Blurriness persists even with corrective lenses.
Distorted Lines: Straight lines might appear wavy, indicating retinal changes.
Blind Spots: There may be noticeable gaps in central vision.
Floaters and Flashes: Seeing floaters (small, shadowy shapes) or flashes of light in your vision can indicate degenerative myopia.
Difficulty in Daily Tasks: Tasks needing clear vision, like reading or driving, become challenging.
Experiencing these symptoms warrants a visit to an eye doctor for a comprehensive evaluation. Early treatment can manage symptoms and protect vision.
Potential Complications of Degenerative Myopia
Because degenerative myopia damages the back of the eye, it can lead to other serious eye conditions. Some of the most common complications include:
Myopic Maculopathy
This serious complication, known as myopic macular degeneration, can cause bleeding, retinal layer splitting, detachment, or macular holes. This is the most vision-threatening condition that can come from degenerative myopia and is challenging to treat, often requiring surgery to correct.
Peripapillary Atrophy
Peripapillary atrophy involves the thinning and degeneration of tissue around the optic nerve, a complication associated with degenerative myopia. These thin areas around the optic nerve might appear white, yellow, or black; if this area continues to grow over time, it may indicate glaucoma.
Retinal Tears and Retinal Detachment
Retinal tears can occur due to trauma or surgery and may lead to retinal detachment, a serious condition that can cause permanent vision loss or blindness. Retinal detachment happens when the retina lifts away from the back of the eye and requires immediate surgical intervention to prevent total blindness. Warning signs include sudden flashes of light, new floaters, shadowy peripheral vision, or a gray curtain over your vision.
Glaucoma
A leading cause of blindness, glaucoma results from intraocular fluid imbalance, increasing pressure within the eye and damaging the optic nerve. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management, as once the optic nerve is damaged, the resulting blindness is irreversible.
How is Degenerative Myopia Diagnosed and Treated?
EyeCare Associates' skilled optometrists can diagnose degenerative myopia through a comprehensive eye examination and retina inspection. While no cure exists, treatments aim to manage complications and prevent further retinal damage. These include:
Anti-VEGF Therapy
The VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) protein stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, and when too much VEGF is produced, abnormal blood vessels can grow in the eye. These extra blood vessels can cause blindness or impaired vision. Anti-VEGF medications, such as Avastin, Lucentis, and Eylea, work by blocking VEGF, slowing down the progression of new blood vessels in the eye. This can help to slow down vision loss and, in some cases, improve it.
Vitreoretinal Eye Surgery
A group of surgeries performed deep inside the eye, vitreoretinal eye surgery uses lasers or conventional surgical instruments to address issues in the vitreous or retina. These techniques are effective in restoring, preserving, and enhancing vision, especially in cases of macular degeneration related to degenerative myopia.
Photodynamic Therapy
A less common but effective option, photodynamic therapy combines a light-sensitive medicine with a specific laser light to create blood clots in abnormal blood vessels. By sealing the abnormal blood vessels in the eye, photodynamic therapy can prevent further vision loss and is a valuable option for those experiencing degenerative myopia.
Treat Degenerative Myopia at EyeCare Associates
At EyeCare Associates, we are dedicated to diagnosing and treating various eye conditions, including degenerative myopia. Through various treatment techniques, our optometrists can restore and preserve your vision, ensuring you can maintain your eyesight for years to come.
If you're experiencing any symptoms of degenerative myopia, don't hesitate; Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with EyeCare Associates and take a proactive step towards maintaining clear, healthy vision.