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Degenerative myopia is a common condition that affects nearly one in 33 people worldwide. While it doesn’t always lead to permanent vision loss, it can significantly increase your risk of developing it. At Greater Dallas Retina in McKinney, Texas, expert ophthalmologists and retina specialists Kruti Dajee, MD, Archana Nair, MD, and their team regularly treat degenerative myopia. To schedule an appointment today, call the office or click the online booking feature.
Degenerative Myopia Q & A
What is degenerative myopia?
Degenerative myopia, also called myopic degeneration, is a form of high myopia that causes progressive changes to the retina and other structures at the back of your eyes.
Not everyone with severe nearsightedness experiences the eye changes that can lead to vision loss. However, if you’ve been diagnosed with the condition, it’s important to have your eyes examined regularly. Routine exams can catch changes early and help protect your vision.
What are the symptoms of degenerative myopia?
Many people with degenerative myopia have severe nearsightedness. As the condition progresses, you may also experience:
- Difficulty seeing some colors
- Floaters and flashes in your vision
- An area in the center of your vision that appears blurry
- Difficulty seeing in low light
- Straight lines that appear wavy or distorted
Because these symptoms often indicate degenerative myopia, your Greater Dallas Retina provider will examine your eyes to check for changes to your retina and macula. These two tissues are located at the back of your eye and play an essential role in producing clear, central vision.
How is degenerative myopia diagnosed?
Your Greater Dallas Retina provider reviews your health history, asks about your symptoms, and completes a comprehensive vision exam. Specifically, they conduct a series of tests to identify changes caused by myopic degeneration.
For example, your provider may ask you to look at an Amsler grid, which helps them detect any distortions or blind spots in your field of vision. They also complete special imaging tests, including fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT), to check for abnormal blood vessels leaking into the macula or structural abnormalities, such as macular holes or macular pucker.
If your provider confirms you have degenerative myopia, they will make personalized treatment recommendations.
How is degenerative myopia treated?
Treatment for degenerative myopia depends on the severity of your symptoms and your overall health. Your Greater Dallas Retina provider may suggest:
- Corrective lenses, such as glasses or contacts, to prevent your eyes from straining
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) medications to slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels and reduce leakage at the back of your eye
- Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) to limit the growth of abnormal blood vessels and lower the risk of bleeding
- Eye surgery to repair damage to the macula or surrounding tissues
The goal of treatment is to prevent the condition from worsening and preserve your vision.
To learn more about treatment for degenerative myopia, make an appointment at Greater Dallas Retina. Call the office or request an appointment online today.