What is Degenerative Myopia? Insights from the Experts

The Development of Degenerative Myopia

Degenerative myopia is uncommon, affecting about 3% of people globally. It typically begins in childhood, mirroring the onset of standard nearsightedness. The fundamental cause is the excessive elongation of the eye, which results in the stretching and weakening of the retina and other back-of-the-eye tissues. This process leads to a gradual decline in vision quality over time. 

Furthermore, degenerative myopia often has a hereditary component. If your family has a history of this condition, your chances of developing it are higher. For those with such a family history, regular and early eye exams are crucial for early detection and effective management. 

Recognizing Symptoms of Degenerative Myopia

Due to the damage it causes to the back of the eye, degenerative myopia manifests in several distinct symptoms that can disrupt your daily activities. Some of these symptoms include: 

1. Consistent Blurred Vision: Vision may remain blurry even with corrective lenses. This is a sign that myopia is progressing toward degenerative myopia. 

2. Visual Distortions: Straight lines may appear wavy, indicating retinal alterations. 

3. Central Vision Gaps: You may notice blind spots in your central vision, which can make it difficult to focus on objects directly in front of you. 

4. Visual Anomalies: Seeing floaters (small, shadowy shapes) or flashes of light in your vision can also indicate degenerative myopia. 

5. Daily Task Difficulty: Activities requiring clear vision, such as reading or driving, might become more difficult. 

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to consult an eye specialist for an in-depth examination. Early intervention can effectively manage these symptoms and protect your vision. 

Complications Arising from Degenerative Myopia

Degenerative myopia can lead to a variety of serious eye conditions, because of the damage to the back of the eye. Some of the most common complications include: 

Myopic Maculopathy

Also known as myopic macular degeneration, myopic maculopathy is the most serious and vision-threatening complication of degenerative myopia. It can manifest as bleeding from abnormal blood vessels, splitting of retinal layers, retinal detachment, or macular holes. This condition is challenging to treat, often requiring surgery depending on the specifics of the case.  

Peripapillary Atrophy

Degeneration around the optic nerve is another potential complication, especially if the affected area expands over time. Peripapillary atrophy creates thin areas of tissue that might appear white, yellow, or black. If the area continues to grow, it could indicate glaucoma, a serious eye condition. 

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. These conditions, potentially leading to permanent vision loss or blindness, need urgent surgical attention. Key warning signs include sudden light flashes, new floaters, shadows in peripheral vision, or a gray curtain in your vision. 

Glaucoma

As a major cause of irreversible blindness, glaucoma results from fluid imbalance in the eye. The excess fluid increases pressure within the eye, harming the optic nerve. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and intervention, as blindness from glaucoma cannot be reversed. 

Diagnosing and Treating Degenerative Myopia

The skilled optometrists at eyecarecenter can identify degenerative myopia through comprehensive eye examinations, including retinal checks. Although there's no complete cure, treatments are available to manage its progression and prevent further retinal damage. These treatments include: 

Anti-VEGF Therapy

The Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) protein stimulates the formation of new blood vessels. In some cases, overproduction of VEGF leads to the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye, risking low vision or blindness. Anti-VEGF medications, such as Avastin, Lucentis, and Eylea, are used to inhibit VEGF, reducing abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye and helping to either slow or improve vision loss. 

Vitreoretinal Eye Surgery

Vitreoretinal eye surgeries, aimed at the deeper parts of the eye, can help restore and preserve vision in affected patients. These procedures use lasers or conventional surgical instruments to address issues in the vitreous or retina and are effective in restoring, preserving, and enhancing vision impacted by degenerative myopia.  

Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy, though less commonly used, employs a light-activated drug to seal off abnormal blood vessels, preventing further vision deterioration. This process creates blood clots to seal off the vessels and is a valuable option for patients experiencing gradual vision loss.