Myopia Is not only a refractive error. The progression of myopia and an increase in axial length may create additional mechanical stress on the vitreoretinal structures, increasing the risk of peripheral retinal tears, holes, and retinal detachment.

In the Ophthalmology Times publication “Myopia-related retinal detachments: younger patients — Retina View,” Nimesh A. Patel, MD, Director of Pediatric Retina at Mass Eye and Ear and Mass General Hospital and Pediatric Retinal Surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital, draws attention to the trend toward myopia-related retinal complications occurring at increasingly younger ages.

Key Clinical Highlights

• High myopia may be a risk factor for peripheral retinal pathology and retinal detachment.However, there is no direct correlation between the degree of refractive error and the risk of retinal detachment.
• An increase in axial length as myopia progresses may intensify the tractional forces between the vitreous body and the retina, contributing to the development of retinal tears.
• Retinal detachment in children and young adults may remain asymptomatic for a prolonged period. The situation is particularly dangerous when a patient compensates for visual impairment with the other eye and fails to notice the gradual loss of vision.
• • Early detection is of paramount importance. Regular examination of the fundus with pupil dilation and documentation of the retinal condition through fundus photography allow for the timely detection of pathological changes.
• Even chronic retinal tears and detachments can, in some cases, be successfully treated surgically. However, when the central retina is involved, some degree of irreversible visual loss may persist.

Practical Significance

The increasing prevalence of myopia among children and young people makes regular monitoring of retinal health an important component of ophthalmic follow-up.

Special attention is required for patients with high myopia, progressive refractive changes, and structural changes  in the eyeball. Detecting pathology at an early stage can have a significant impact on treatment options and visual prognosis.

📖 Read the full publication:
Myopia-related retinal detachments: younger patients — Retina View, Ophthalmology Times

Source: Ophthalmology Times, interview with Nimesh A. Patel, MD.