Dr. Devon Ghodasra, Southeastern Retina Associates; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical SocietyQ: I have nearsightedness. Can this affect my eyes other than for just needing glasses?
A: Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a very common condition affecting the eye in which light rays are not properly focused on the retina. People with myopia must wear glasses or contact lenses to assist bending, or refracting, light in order to make distant objects appear less blurred. The glasses prescription for these patients typically begins with a negative number. Myopia is inherited and is frequently first discovered in school-age children and teenagers as the eye grows in length. Severe myopia is known as high or pathologic myopia and may be associated with additional risks for vision loss.
The very elongated eye results in stretching and thinning of the retina and other layers of the eye. Abnormal blood vessels, or choroidal neovascularization, may grow through weak areas, causing bleeding into the retina. People with myopia are also at higher risk for retinal tears or detachments. Both abnormal blood vessels and retinal tears can be treated to prevent vision loss, but early diagnosis with a dilated eye exam is critical. It is important for all myopic patients to have regular eye exams with their eye doctor.
– Dr. Devon Ghodasra, Southeastern Retina Associates; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society