Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming more common and affecting people of all ages, especially children. For some people, prescriptions continue increasing over time and eventually reach what’s considered high myopia.
Along with needing stronger glasses or contact lenses, high myopia can raise the risk for several serious eye conditions later in life. That’s one reason myopia management has become such an important part of long-term eye care.
In this blog, we discuss what high myopia is, why it increases long-term vision risks, and how early management may help protect future eye health.
What is high myopia?
Myopia causes distant objects to appear blurry because the eye grows too long from front to back. High myopia is a more severe form of nearsightedness, typically defined as a prescription of -6.00 diopters or higher.
As the eye elongates, the tissues inside the eye become more stretched and fragile. That increased stretching can place extra stress on structures such as the retina and optic nerve.
Why high myopia increases long-term risks
Higher levels of myopia are associated with a greater likelihood of developing certain sight-threatening eye conditions later in life.
These risks may include:
- Retinal tears or retinal detachment
- Myopic macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts developing earlier in life
- Thinning of the retina or other retinal changes
The risk level generally increases as myopia becomes stronger.
The importance of managing myopia in kids
Childhood is often when myopia progresses the fastest. Prescriptions that continue increasing year after year may raise the likelihood of reaching high myopia later on.
Regular pediatric eye exams help monitor how quickly myopia is progressing as children grow. Tracking eye growth early allows eye doctors to follow prescription changes over time and discuss management options that may help slow progression.
How myopia management may help
Myopia management focuses on slowing how quickly a child’s prescription worsens over time. While it does not cure myopia, slowing progression may help reduce the likelihood of developing high myopia and its associated risks later in life.
Treatment options vary based on the child and their visual needs. At Dr. C. Vision Care, myopia management options include Stellest® lenses, specially designed eyeglass lenses developed to help slow myopia progression while still providing clear everyday vision.
Lifestyle habits may also help support healthy visual development, including:
- Spending more time outdoors
- Taking breaks during extended near work
- Managing prolonged screen time
- Keeping up with regular eye exams
Support healthier vision as your child grows
As children grow, myopia can continue progressing year after year. Keeping up with regular eye exams and discussing management options early may help reduce the risk of higher levels of myopia later in life.
Schedule an eye exam in Pensacola at Dr. C. Vision Care to learn more about myopia management and how to help protect your child’s long-term eye health.