Myopia Progression and Eye Health in Taiwan: Key Insights

Q: Myopia Progression and Eye Health in Taiwan: Key Insights

Hello： 1. <br>According to the data you provided, your left eye has changed from -675 diopters to -650 diopters, and your right eye has changed from -625 diopters to -575 diopters. <br>This indicates a slight decrease in your myopia over the course of a year. <br>2. <br>According

Myopia degree

1.
I started wearing orthokeratology lenses in sixth grade, with prescriptions of L: -6.75 and R: -6.25.
After stopping for a year, my prescription changed to L: -6.50 and R: -5.75.
Does this indicate that my myopia has worsened?
2.
Are there many people in Taiwan with myopia of -5.00 or -6.00?
3.
Among people with myopia of -5.00 or -6.00, how many maintain healthy eyes into their fifties and sixties?
4.
Is the risk of retinal degeneration significantly higher for individuals with -6.00 myopia?

Xiao Chen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/05/27

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: 1.
According to the data you provided, your left eye has changed from -675 diopters to -650 diopters, and your right eye has changed from -625 diopters to -575 diopters.
This indicates a slight decrease in your myopia over the course of a year.
2.
According to statistical data, myopia is a quite common vision problem in Taiwan.
Many Taiwanese individuals suffer from myopia, including those with degrees between -500 and -600.
However, specific data may vary due to different studies and statistical methods.
3.
The development of myopia is related to age, but maintaining healthy eyes is not solely dependent on the degree of myopia; it also relies on other eye health factors.
Although myopia may still be present in individuals in their fifties and sixties, some people's eyes may remain relatively healthy while others may experience vision problems.
Maintaining eye health requires good lifestyle habits, regular eye examinations, and appropriate vision protection.
4.
The relationship between myopia degree and retinal degeneration is a complex issue.
Individuals with high degrees of myopia may face certain eye health risks, including an increased risk of retinal detachment or retinal tears.
However, the specific risk of retinal degeneration varies from person to person and is influenced by multiple factors, including individual eye structure, family history, and lifestyle.
Overall, the probability is not high.

Reply Date: 2023/05/27

More Info

Understanding myopia progression and eye health is crucial, especially in regions like Taiwan where myopia prevalence is notably high. Let’s address your questions one by one while also providing some context and insights into myopia and its implications for eye health.

1. Myopia Progression: You mentioned that after a year of not wearing your orthokeratology lenses, your prescription changed from L: 675, R: 625 to L: 650, R: 575. This indicates a slight reduction in myopia, which is a positive sign. However, whether this constitutes a significant change depends on various factors, including your age, overall eye health, and lifestyle. Generally, myopia can stabilize or even regress in some individuals, particularly after adolescence. It’s essential to continue regular eye exams to monitor any changes in your vision.

2. Prevalence of Myopia in Taiwan: Myopia rates in Taiwan are indeed high, with studies indicating that around 80-90% of high school graduates are myopic. Specifically, those with myopia of 500 to 600 degrees are not uncommon. This high prevalence is attributed to various factors, including genetics, increased screen time, and reduced outdoor activities. The trend has raised concerns about the long-term implications for eye health, particularly as these individuals age.

3. Eye Health in Older Adults with High Myopia: While many individuals with myopia of 500 to 600 degrees can maintain good eye health into their fifties and sixties, the risk of developing complications increases with higher degrees of myopia. Conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment are more prevalent in individuals with high myopia. Regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection and management of these potential issues. It’s worth noting that lifestyle factors, such as diet and UV protection, also play a role in maintaining eye health.

4. Risk of Retinal Degeneration: The risk of retinal degeneration or other complications increases significantly with higher degrees of myopia, particularly beyond 600 degrees. Studies suggest that individuals with high myopia are at a greater risk for conditions like myopic maculopathy, which can lead to vision loss. Therefore, it’s vital for individuals with high myopia to have regular comprehensive eye exams, including retinal imaging, to monitor for any signs of degeneration or other complications.

In conclusion, managing myopia and maintaining eye health requires a proactive approach. Regular eye exams, appropriate use of corrective lenses, and lifestyle modifications (such as increased outdoor activity and reduced screen time) can help mitigate the progression of myopia and its associated risks. If you have concerns about your vision or eye health, it’s advisable to consult with an eye care professional who can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation.

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