Pathological Myopia

 Pathological Myopia, also known as high myopia or extreme myopia, is a condition in which the eyeball becomes abnormally long from front to back, resulting in a decreased ability to see distant objects clearly and an increased risk of certain eye problems. It is a severe form of myopia that can lead to serious vision loss and other complications if left untreated.

In this article, we will cover the following topics:

  1. Causes of pathological myopia
  2. Symptoms of pathological myopia
  3. Complications of pathological myopia
  4. Diagnosis and treatment of pathological myopia

Causes of Pathological Myopia

Myopia, or nearsightedness, occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, which causes light rays to focus incorrectly on the retina, resulting in a blurry image of distant objects. Pathological myopia, on the other hand, is a more severe form of myopia that is typically inherited and occurs when the eyeball grows excessively long during childhood and adolescence.

Research suggests that pathological myopia may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some studies have found that certain genetic variations are associated with an increased risk of developing pathological myopia. These variations may affect the growth and development of the eyeball, as well as the shape and curvature of the cornea.

Environmental factors, such as increased near work (such as reading, writing, or using a computer) and decreased outdoor activities, may also contribute to the development of pathological myopia. Research has shown that children who spend more time doing near work and less time outdoors are more likely to develop myopia, including pathological myopia.

Symptoms of Pathological Myopia

The main symptom of pathological myopia is poor vision for distant objects. People with pathological myopia may have difficulty seeing objects that are far away, such as road signs or the board in a classroom. They may also have trouble seeing objects in the peripheral (side) vision, which can make it difficult to drive or play sports.

Other symptoms of pathological myopia may include:

  • Eye strain or fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Squinting to see distant objects
  • Difficulty seeing at night

Complications of Pathological Myopia

In addition to poor vision for distant objects, pathological myopia can also lead to a number of complications, including:

  • Retinal detachment: The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. In people with pathological myopia, the retina may become thin and weak, increasing the risk of detachment. If the retina becomes detached, it can cause a sudden loss of vision.
  • Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. People with pathological myopia have an increased risk of developing glaucoma, which can lead to vision loss.
  • Macular degeneration: The macula is a small area in the center of the retina that is responsible for central vision. In people with pathological myopia, the macula may become damaged or degenerate, leading to vision loss.
  • Cataracts: A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye, which can cause blurry vision and difficulty seeing at night. People with pathological myopia have an increased risk of developing cataracts.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Pathological Myopia

Pathological myopia is usually diagnosed during a comprehensive eye examination, which may include a visual acuity test, a refraction test to measure the need for glasses or contact.

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