High Myopia and Its Impact on Eye Health

Q: High Myopia and Its Impact on Eye Health

Dear Ms. M： 1 & 2： Lesions or diseases do not simply resolve on their own. 3： Theoretically, we cannot see holes in our own retina; it is more likely to be floaters. 4： If you are concerned about potential retinal issues, you should prioritize a dilated eye

High myopia and retinal issues?

Hello, Doctor.
I would like to ask you some questions.
Thank you, Doctor!
1.
In a dimly lit room, when I cover one eye, the vision in that eye appears very blurry, as if there is noise in front of me.
Could this be related to retinal or macular degeneration?
2.
Sometimes, when I wake up in the middle of the night and look up at the ceiling, I see black shadows in my field of vision, but they gradually fade away after a few seconds.
Could this be a symptom of certain eye diseases?
3.
I’m not sure if it’s related to my high myopia, but when I look straight ahead, I often see the hairs of my bangs or feel like I can see my eyelashes.
I wonder if other people can see their eyelashes as well? I found some information online suggesting that high myopia might cause changes in axial length and eye structure.
When looking straight ahead, there are stationary thread-like objects covering the upper part of my vision, which doesn’t feel like a black curtain but rather a light grayish-black.
I am very concerned that this might indicate a retinal tear.
4.
Yesterday morning, when I walked from a bright area into a dark one, I suddenly saw several black spots, which were clearly different from my usual floaters, and they slowly disappeared after a few seconds.
However, this morning when I woke up, I did not experience the same situation.
Given my high degree of myopia, I am worried that there might be an issue with my retina.
5.
When moving from a bright room to a darker space, I occasionally notice black shadows at the corners of my eyes that resemble visual persistence, but they also fade away after a few seconds.
Is this situation normal?
6.
In a dim room, when I focus on a light source, I often see light beams.
Could this be related to an increase in astigmatism or glaucoma?
7.
If I keep my eyes closed for an extended period to rest, is there any way to slightly improve my eye condition? Since my eyesight has deteriorated, I have become more hesitant to look at things, fearing it will worsen my vision, which has affected my quality of life and work efficiency.
I am very troubled.
Thank you, Doctor!

M, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/17

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology

Dear Ms.
M:
1 & 2: Lesions or diseases do not simply resolve on their own.

3: Theoretically, we cannot see holes in our own retina; it is more likely to be floaters.

4: If you are concerned about potential retinal issues, you should prioritize a dilated eye examination by an ophthalmologist rather than seeking advice online.

5: Without personal experience, it is difficult to make a judgment.

6: Glaucoma does not present in this manner and is more likely related to astigmatism.

7: When using your eyes, it is important to take intermittent breaks rather than resting your eyes for extended periods.
The National Health Administration encourages students to take a 10-minute break after 30 minutes of screen time for your reference.
Director He Jianxian, Ophthalmology, Nantou Hospital

Reply Date: 2023/11/17

More Info

High myopia, or severe nearsightedness, is a condition that can significantly impact eye health and visual perception. Your concerns about various visual symptoms are valid, and I will address each of your questions while providing additional context about high myopia and its implications.

1. Blurry Vision in Low Light: Experiencing blurry vision when covering one eye in a dimly lit room could be related to several factors, including retinal or macular degeneration. High myopia increases the risk of such conditions because the elongated shape of the eye can lead to stretching and thinning of the retina. This can result in visual disturbances, especially in low-light conditions. It’s essential to have a comprehensive eye examination to rule out any serious retinal issues.

2. Black Shadows When Looking Up: The transient appearance of black shadows when you look up could be a symptom of several conditions, including vitreous detachment or even retinal tears. In high myopia, the risk of these conditions is heightened due to the structural changes in the eye. If these shadows persist or are accompanied by flashes of light, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

3. Seeing Eyelashes or Hair Strands: The perception of seeing your eyelashes or hair strands while looking straight ahead may be related to the structural changes in the eye associated with high myopia. These changes can alter the way light enters the eye and how images are focused on the retina. While it is not typical for individuals without myopia to notice their eyelashes in their field of vision, high myopia can cause such visual phenomena. However, if this perception is new or has changed, it warrants further investigation to rule out retinal issues.

4. Black Spots After Moving from Light to Dark: The appearance of black spots when transitioning from a bright to a dark environment can be concerning, especially in someone with high myopia. This could be a sign of a temporary visual phenomenon known as "visual snow" or could indicate changes in the vitreous gel inside the eye. If these spots are persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult an eye care professional.

5. Visual Afterimages: Experiencing black shadows or afterimages when moving from bright to dim environments is generally a normal response of the eye adjusting to light changes. However, if these occurrences are frequent or accompanied by other visual disturbances, it may be worth discussing with your eye doctor.

6. Seeing Light Beams in Dim Light: The perception of light beams when looking at a light source in a dark room could be related to several factors, including increased sensitivity due to myopia or possibly astigmatism. While these symptoms are not directly indicative of glaucoma, they can be associated with changes in the eye's refractive properties. Regular eye examinations are essential to monitor for any changes in eye health.

7. Resting the Eyes: Taking breaks and resting your eyes can indeed help alleviate some discomfort associated with eye strain. However, it is essential to balance rest with proper visual habits. If you find that your vision is deteriorating, it is crucial to consult with an eye care professional who can provide personalized advice and treatment options.

In summary, high myopia can lead to various visual symptoms and increase the risk of serious eye conditions. Regular eye examinations are vital for monitoring eye health and addressing any emerging issues promptly. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, do not hesitate to seek professional advice. Your vision is invaluable, and proactive care is essential for maintaining eye health.

Similar Q&A

Understanding High Myopia: Risks and Long-Term Eye Health Concerns

Hello doctor, I am nearsighted with a prescription of -5.75 in my left eye and -6.50 in my right eye. I am 20 years old. 1. Based on your experience, will my degree of myopia deteriorate significantly or lead to many complications by the time I reach 40 or 50 years old? 2. I know...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: 1. The degree of vision deterioration varies from person to person; not everyone will experience significant decline at the ages of 40 or 50. Generally, myopia tends to gradually increase during adolescence and stabilizes in adulthood. However, as one ages, the natural agi...

Understanding Eye Fatigue and Risks for High Myopia Patients

Hello, doctor. I have high myopia of about 1000 diopters. I would like to know if reducing my prescription could lower my risk of eye complications? (I have reduced it by about 300 diopters and have maintained this for a long time.) Additionally, I have recently been experiencing...

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
Hello, myopia exceeding 600 degrees is considered high myopia, which increases the risk of retinal complications. As for the decrease in degree, it is likely that the previous measurement of 1000 degrees was not your true refractive error. The symptoms you mentioned may not neces...

Understanding High Myopia: Risks of Eye Complications Explained

Hello doctor, I am also a person with high myopia. I saw your previous comment stating that, in your experience, the likelihood of complications at a myopia level of -7.25 diopters is low. 1) However, I would like to ask, based on your experience, at what degree of myopia does th...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Xiao Yu: It is not possible to specify a certain degree at which pathological changes will definitely occur, as the retinal condition varies among individuals even at the same refractive error. However, the likelihood of developing such changes generally correlates positiv...

Understanding Focus Issues in High Myopia and Astigmatism

With a high myopia of approximately -800 diopters and astigmatism of -250 diopters, there will likely be significant focusing issues. This level of refractive error can lead to difficulties in achieving clear vision, especially at distance, and may require corrective lenses or ot...

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology
Hello, if the glasses are properly fitted, there should be no issues.