Abnormal Eye Symptoms in High Myopia Patients

Ocular abnormalities

Hello Dr.
Chang: I am a patient with high myopia.
In the past month or two, I have noticed an abnormal condition in my right eye.
Now, when I look at things with my right eye, I see irregularly shaped translucent objects (sometimes they even appear bright).
I have already visited an ophthalmology clinic and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taipei for examinations, and I was prescribed medication, but there has been no improvement.
I would like to know if this condition indicates a problem with my retina, or if this is something that occurs in all patients with high myopia.
Is there a definitive treatment for this?

emily, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/05/22

Dr. Zhang Yuhua reply Ophthalmology

Dear online friend,
It is difficult to speculate on potential conditions without actually seeing the patient.
You may be experiencing vitreous degeneration or a hematological disorder (though at your young age, this is unlikely!).
Retinal issues are certainly a possibility as well; however, since you have already been evaluated by more than two ophthalmologists, if there were any serious conditions that required immediate attention, the doctors would have informed you and taken action right away.

As for the lack of improvement, it may take time for healing to occur, or it could be that the condition itself does not require aggressive treatment and can be managed with stability and adaptation.
If you are still very concerned, you may want to consult a retinal specialist for a more thorough evaluation.
Your awareness of your symptoms and proactive approach to seeking medical advice is commendable.
Please also remember to have regular dilated retinal examinations in the future.
Thank you for your message.
Dr.
Zhang Yuhua, Ophthalmology, Qishan Hospital

Reply Date: 2002/05/22

More Info

Hello, thank you for your inquiry regarding the abnormal eye symptoms you are experiencing as a high myopia patient. High myopia, or severe nearsightedness, can lead to various ocular complications, particularly affecting the retina and vitreous body. Your description of seeing irregularly shaped, semi-transparent objects, sometimes with brightness, is concerning and warrants a thorough understanding of the potential underlying issues.

Firstly, it is essential to recognize that high myopia increases the risk of several retinal conditions, including retinal tears, detachments, and macular degeneration. These conditions can manifest as visual disturbances, such as the symptoms you described. The presence of semi-transparent objects could indicate the presence of floaters, which are often benign but can also signal more serious issues if they are new or accompanied by flashes of light or a sudden increase in their number.

Given that you have already sought medical attention and received treatment without improvement, it is crucial to ensure that a comprehensive examination has been conducted. This should include a dilated fundus examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and possibly a thorough assessment of the vitreous body. These tests can help identify any structural changes in the retina or vitreous that may be contributing to your symptoms.

In high myopia patients, the retina can become stretched and thinned, making it more susceptible to tears and detachments. If your symptoms are indeed related to retinal issues, timely intervention is vital. While some retinal conditions can be treated effectively, others may require surgical intervention, such as laser therapy or vitrectomy, depending on the severity and type of the problem.

As for whether all high myopia patients experience similar symptoms, it is important to note that while many do experience some degree of visual disturbances, the severity and type of symptoms can vary widely. Not every high myopia patient will develop complications, but the risk is significantly higher compared to individuals with normal vision.

Regarding treatment options, the management of symptoms associated with high myopia largely depends on the underlying cause. If your symptoms are due to retinal changes, addressing those changes is paramount. Regular follow-ups with an ophthalmologist specializing in retinal diseases are crucial for monitoring your condition and making timely decisions regarding treatment.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be related to high myopia, they could also indicate more serious retinal issues that require immediate attention. I recommend returning to your eye care provider for a comprehensive evaluation, including imaging studies, to rule out any significant retinal pathology. If necessary, seeking a second opinion from a retinal specialist may also be beneficial. Early detection and intervention are key to preserving vision and preventing further complications. Please take care of your eye health, and do not hesitate to seek further medical advice if your symptoms persist or worsen.

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 High Myopia: Eye Pressure, Symptoms, and Retina Health

1. I apologize for bothering you, doctor. I have high myopia, and my intraocular pressure is within the normal range, but occasionally it can be elevated, causing swelling and headaches. If it returns to normal the next day, is it a cause for concern? 2. When looking at lights,...

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
Hello: 1. Regular check-ups are sufficient. 2. Not relevant. 3. Yes. 4. Generally speaking. 5. Possibly. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Tsai Wen-Yuan, Director of the Department of Ophthalmology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Understanding Floaters and Retinal Health in High Myopia Patients

Hello Doctor: 1. I am a patient with high myopia, with a pseudomyopia reaching 1100 diopters. After undergoing dilation examination, my prescription decreased to over 800 diopters. Will my risk of developing retinal detachment be significantly high in the future? 2. Before I ...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Dear Mr. Wang, 1. High myopia has a certain probability of causing retinal tears or even detachment; however, if regular check-ups are conducted, early treatment can be initiated, reducing the risk significantly. 2. Vision tends to be less clear in dim lighting, and this can be ...

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...