Degenerative Myopia

Degenerative myopia (also called pathologic or high myopia) is a severe form of nearsightedness in which the eye continues to elongate abnormally, stretching and thinning the retina. This stretching can lead to a range of sight-threatening complications including myopic macular degeneration, retinal tears and detachment, posterior staphyloma, and choroidal neovascularization (abnormal blood vessel growth). Patients with prescriptions stronger than -6.00 diopters are at higher risk. Symptoms may include gradually worsening central or peripheral vision, visual distortion, and floaters. Treatment depends on the specific complication and may include anti-VEGF injections for choroidal neovascularization, laser or surgical repair for retinal tears and detachments, and regular monitoring.