Retinal Issues: High Myopia and Related Concerns

Q: Retinal Issues: High Myopia and Related Concerns

Hello NICO： a. If there are no abnormalities, such as blurred vision, an examination every three months should be sufficient. b. Dilated eye exams are short-term and should not cause harm to the eyes. c. Holes or tears usually do not present obvious symptoms o

Retinal issues?

Hello, Dr.
Gao.
I would like to ask you a few questions:
1.
I have high myopia, approximately -1800 diopters, and currently have macular degeneration.
However, my doctor has not taken any action regarding this, nor the macular traction, which I still feel causing flashes of light.
This has been ongoing for nearly six months.
I have also been diagnosed with glaucoma (one hospital says I have it, while another says I do not).
2.
I wear regular glasses, which are not very strong, and I can work at close distances.
Recently, I visited an ophthalmology clinic where they mentioned retinal hemorrhage, about the size of a pinhole, but no treatment was provided.
The doctor also expressed confusion about what I might have done to cause this (just my normal daily activities).
I did not notice anything unusual regarding this hemorrhage.
Two weeks later, when I returned to the hospital, the doctor said there was no bleeding.
3.
Currently, I have follow-up appointments every three months, but due to the previous bleeding situation and my lack of unusual symptoms, I am worried that if there is an issue with my eyes, I might be too late to seek treatment.
May I ask:
a.
Is it acceptable to have a follow-up every three months with dilation, or should it be changed to once a month? Should I go to a clinic for further checks? (I am not trying to waste medical resources; I am just very anxious.)
b.
How often can dilation checks be performed without causing harm to the eyes? I have noticed that my right eye does not seem to dilate even after two applications of the dilating drops (the technician sometimes uses 5 or 6 drops).
I have been undergoing dilation checks since my twenties, initially every six months, and now every three months.
c.
Can I feel retinal tears or holes myself? My glasses prescription is insufficient, and I certainly have floaters.
d.
Additionally, could brushing my tongue at the root cause nausea and vomiting lead to retinal tears or bleeding?
Dr.
Gao, I apologize for asking so many questions.
Thank you for your patience in reading and responding.
I sincerely appreciate your guidance.
Thank you.

NICO, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/01/23

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello NICO: a.
If there are no abnormalities, such as blurred vision, an examination every three months should be sufficient.
b.
Dilated eye exams are short-term and should not cause harm to the eyes.
c.
Holes or tears usually do not present obvious symptoms on their own; a doctor's examination is necessary to identify them, unless they have already affected vision or caused visual field loss.
d.
Nausea and vomiting caused by brushing teeth should not easily lead to retinal tears or bleeding.
Taiwan E-Hospital Puzi Hospital Ophthalmology: Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Wednesday afternoon from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses should only be used as a reference; it is still necessary to seek medical care at a healthcare facility if needed.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Gao Pi-Lin

Reply Date: 2018/01/23

More Info

Hello,
Thank you for your detailed questions regarding high myopia and its associated retinal issues. High myopia, especially at a level of 1800 degrees, can indeed lead to various complications, including retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and other visual disturbances. Let’s address your concerns one by one.

1. Macular Issues and Retinal Detachment: You mentioned experiencing flashes of light and a sensation of pulling in the macular area. These symptoms can be indicative of retinal traction or even early signs of retinal detachment. It’s crucial to have regular follow-ups with your ophthalmologist, especially given your high degree of myopia and the presence of macular changes. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, it may warrant more frequent evaluations, possibly every month, rather than every three months.
2. Retinal Hemorrhage: The reports of retinal hemorrhage that you experienced, even if small, should not be taken lightly. While it’s reassuring that subsequent examinations showed no signs of bleeding, the fact that it was noted at all suggests that there may be underlying issues that need monitoring. If you are not experiencing any symptoms, it can be easy to overlook, but it’s essential to maintain vigilance. If you have any changes in vision or new symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention.

3. Frequency of Eye Exams: Given your history and the complexity of your condition, a three-month follow-up may be appropriate, but you should discuss with your ophthalmologist whether this should be adjusted based on your symptoms and findings. Frequent dilated eye exams are necessary for monitoring the health of your retina, especially in high myopia. Generally, there is no strict limit on how often you can have these exams, but it’s essential to balance the need for monitoring with the potential discomfort of dilation.

4. Effects of Dilation: Regular dilation does not cause harm to the eyes, but it can be uncomfortable. If you find that your eyes do not dilate adequately, it may be worth discussing with your doctor to ensure the correct dosage and technique are being used.
5. Self-Detection of Retinal Issues: Unfortunately, many retinal issues, such as tears or holes, do not present with noticeable symptoms until they become more severe. Symptoms like flashes, floaters, or a sudden change in vision should prompt immediate evaluation. Regular eye exams are your best defense against unnoticed changes.

6. Brushing Teeth and Retinal Health: Regarding your concern about gagging while brushing your tongue and its potential impact on your retina, there is no direct correlation between this action and retinal health. However, if you experience significant stress or strain during such episodes, it could lead to transient changes in vision, but it would not cause retinal tears or hemorrhages.

In summary, given your high myopia and the associated risks, it is vital to maintain regular follow-ups with your eye care provider. If you have any new symptoms or concerns, do not hesitate to seek immediate care. Your proactive approach to monitoring your eye health is commendable, and it’s essential to continue this vigilance.

Best wishes for your eye health, and don’t hesitate to reach out with further questions or concerns.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Retinal Issues in High Myopia: Symptoms and Treatments

Hello doctor, I am a patient with high myopia, and I have a few questions I would like to ask. 1. When I look straight ahead with my right eye alone, I notice that vehicles approaching from the right side, around the 1 to 2 o'clock position, seem to disappear. However, I d...

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology
1. It is recommended that you have your retina examined as soon as possible. 2. In addition to intraocular pressure, you should also consider issues related to the conjunctiva and cornea. 3. It is advisable to maintain good vision care (similar to that of children) and suppleme...

Understanding Retinal Issues in High Myopia: Risks and Concerns

1. Based on your experience, will a prescription of around -500 to -600 diopters easily lead to retinal diseases? 2. Does this level of myopia deteriorate quickly, or does it typically stabilize at a certain point? I feel very anxious about the potential issues with my eyes. Th...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: 1. Individuals with higher degrees of myopia are indeed at a greater risk for retinal diseases, especially those with high myopia (greater than -6.00 diopters) or a family history of such conditions. Therefore, it is recommended that you undergo regular ophthalmic examinat...

Understanding Retinal Issues: Managing Blurry Vision and High Myopia

Hello, Doctor. Today, I noticed that my distance vision in my left eye is blurry, so I immediately went to see an ophthalmologist. Additionally, my left eye has elevated intraocular pressure. The doctor promptly arranged for a dilated eye exam. After the examination, the doctor i...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, 1. The doctor mentioned that a thinner peripheral retina is a common condition among individuals with high myopia and advised not to panic. Is that correct? Answer: Yes, that is correct. People with myopia tend to have larger eyeballs, which results in a thinner periphe...

Understanding High Myopia: Symptoms, Progression, and Vision Concerns

Hello Doctor: I have high myopia (550, 600). Last week, during a fundus examination, the doctor mentioned that there were no significant issues with the retina, some degeneration of the vitreous body, but the optic nerve seemed to have atrophied due to changes in the axial length...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, 1) I would like to ask what symptoms are associated with optic nerve degeneration, elongation of the eyeball, and vitreous degeneration? Will these three conditions continuously worsen without limits, or will they stabilize at some point, and is there a possibility of im...