People who have extremely high myopia also have an increased risk of developing sight-threatening complications, usually later in life. Why is this? It’s because myopia is caused when the eye becomes elongated. When this happens, the layers that make up the eye end up becoming thinner, which can lead to further complications. Here are some of the most serious conditions that people with myopia are at risk of developing.
Thinning of the retina increases the risk of tears, which can lead to detachment, a serious condition that may cause permanent vision loss if not treated quickly. A sudden rise in floaters (black spots or lines) can be a warning sign.
Eye elongation can damage the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision, resulting in vision distortion or loss.
High myopia increases the risk of glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased eye pressure. It's a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.
People with early-onset severe myopia may develop cataracts, clouding of the eye’s lens, sooner than others. This may be due to reduced nutrient delivery caused by an elongated eyeball.
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