Myopia is a condition that affects the eyes, where the patient experiences difficulty in seeing objects from afar. In other words, it's a condition where a patient is diagnosed as nearsighted, meaning they can only clearly see objects and words that are near them or within a short vision range. Degenerative myopia is a form of myopia that may cause vision loss over time. It is a form of eye disease that progresses over time. To put it another way, degenerative myopia worsens over time, and as mentioned, may eventually cause vision loss.
How does a patient develop degenerative myopia?
There have been studies that suggest degenerative myopia is genetic or hereditary, but these aren't conclusive yet as of this writing. However, studies also revealed that females and patients with a family history of myopia may be more at risk for developing this degenerative eye disease compared to others.
Likewise, patients with myopia may develop degenerative or progressive myopia.
What is the difference between high myopia and degenerative myopia?
First off, myopia is caused by abnormal growth of the eyeballs where the cornea may be overly curved, or the eyeball may be elongated. Myopia usually occurs in children, which is why most patients who wore corrective glasses to address myopia may find they no longer need these once they become adults.
High myopia is a rare genetic form of myopia, usually diagnosed in early childhood. Like other forms of myopia, this one causes patients to be nearsighted. The difference between degenerative and high myopia is the progression. High myopia usually stops progressing at the age of 20 up to 30 years old. Degenerative or progressive myopia doesn't stop with age.
Can someone with high myopia develop progressive myopia?
Individuals diagnosed with high myopia are at risk for developing progressive myopia as well. This is why it is of utmost importance to have your eyes regularly checked to ensure your eyes are healthy. If you are experiencing vision problems, it is recommended that you immediately seek consultation to accurately determine the cause of your vision problems.
Is one's lifestyle a risk factor in developing vision problems?
Yes, your lifestyle plays a huge role in the health of your eyes. In particular, if your job involves looking at a computer screen every day, you may find over time that you are no longer able to see objects or words as clearly as before. Additionally, reading and excessive use of gadgets may also eventually cause vision problems.
Children who are always glued to their gadgets are at a higher risk for developing problems with their eyesight.
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