Myopia

DR MARINA SYRIMI EYE CLINIC

Myopia definition

Myopia is a condition where a person is unable to see clearly in the distance. In myopia, the light that enters the eye focuses in front of the retina giving rise to a blurred image. This happens when the eye is too long or the cornea too curved.

Myopia

Prognosis

In childhood, myopia tends to increase as the child grows. In adults myopia can increase in the presence of pathological myopia. In pathological myopia (often classified as refraction > -5.00 Dioptres) there is often an outpouching called posterior staphyloma. Posterior staphyloma can change shape leading to increasing amounts of myopia.


In the past myopia was seen just as a refractive error. These days we understand that myopia is an eye condition which at increased levels poses risks to the eyes. These include:


  • Macular degeneration: Severe myopia may be associated with macular degeneration, which results in irreversible vision loss in the centre of the visual field.
  • Cataract: Early onset of cataract which is the clouding of the natural lens of the eye.
  • Retinal detachment: Eyes with severe myopia are too elongated, resulting in a thinner retina. The thin area is more prone to cracks, holes and detachments.
  • Glaucoma: In glaucoma, the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, is destroyed. This results in irreversible loss of vision that starts peripherally and gradually moves centrally.

Management Options

Myopia cannot be cured. There are however ways to reduce myopia progression in children and ways to manage the current level of myopia.


Myopia can be managed in various ways:

  • Spectacle correction using concave lenses
  • Contact lenses
  • Laser eye surgery

Questions

Q: How will my child present to me if he has myopia?

A: Children with myopia most commonly present with difficulty seeing on the board. It is advisable to examine children in school age regularly to avoid undetected myopia.


Q: When can I have laser refractive surgery for my myopia?

A: Myopia in children usually increased in magnitude as the child grows. The eye grows together with the rest of the body. Laser surgery is only advisable when the myopia stabilizes. This usually occurs after 18years of age and depends on the patient’s daily activities.

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CONTACT US

DR MARINA SYRIMI EYE CLINIC

25-552215

DR MARINA SYRIMI EYE CLINIC

KIrzis Centre, 44-50 Emmanuil Roidi,

Block A, Office A35

Limassol 3031

tel. 25 552215

marinasyrimi@doctors.org.uk