Retinal Issues in High Myopia: Symptoms and Solutions - Ophthalmology

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Hello! Thank you for your questions regarding high myopia and its associated retinal issues. As someone with over 1000 degrees of myopia, it's understandable to have concerns about your eye health, especially when experiencing symptoms like the sensation of pulling or wave-like movements in your vision.


Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Retinal Degeneration and Symptoms: The sensation of pulling or wave-like movements in your vision can be concerning, especially in the context of high myopia. While your recent examination indicated that your macula is healthy, the presence of these symptoms could suggest changes in the vitreous gel that fills the eye or even early signs of retinal issues. High myopia is associated with an increased risk of retinal complications, including retinal tears or detachments, due to the elongation of the eyeball and thinning of the retina.

2. Potential for Retinal Tears: Although your vision tests (like the grid test) show no distortion or shadowing, it's still essential to monitor any new symptoms closely. The absence of visible issues during a standard examination does not completely rule out the possibility of a retinal tear, especially if you experience sudden changes in vision. If you notice any new flashes of light or a significant increase in floaters, it would be prudent to seek immediate medical attention.


Diagnostic Procedures
3. OCT and Pupil Dilation: Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging test that provides high-resolution images of the retina and can help identify issues like retinal tears or macular degeneration without the need for pupil dilation. However, in some cases, dilation may still be necessary for a comprehensive examination, especially if the doctor needs to assess the peripheral retina thoroughly. Discuss your concerns with your ophthalmologist; they can guide you on the best approach for your situation.


Eye Care Practices
4. Eye Exercises and Retinal Health: Regarding eye exercises, while they can be beneficial for reducing eye strain, it's essential to approach them cautiously. Vigorous eye exercises or those that involve significant eye movement may not be advisable for individuals with high myopia, as they could potentially stress the retina. Instead, consider gentle eye relaxation techniques, such as the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) to alleviate strain without risking retinal health.


Conclusion
In summary, while your current symptoms may not immediately indicate a serious issue, they warrant careful monitoring due to your high myopia. Regular follow-ups with your ophthalmologist are crucial, as they can provide tailored advice based on your specific condition and any changes you experience. If you have any sudden changes in your vision, such as flashes of light or an increase in floaters, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention. Your eye health is paramount, and staying proactive about it will help ensure the best outcomes.