The Problems with Adult Myopia

In Singapore, we now have a range of evidence-based treatments for managing childhood myopia, including low-dose atropine eyedrops, myopia control glasses and contact lenses. But in treating these kids with myopia, the goal is not merely to avoid the need for thick glasses. As ophthalmologists and optometrists, what we are really trying to do is to prevent problems developing 20 - 30 years down the road.

There are multiple issues that can arise when adults have high myopia (above 500-600 degrees). As they get older, they run the risks of :-

1. pathological myopia - a form of progressive myopia where the power continues to increase with age;

2. myopic macular degeneration - in which the part of the retina that is responsible for detailed vision ("macula") suffers from degeneration, resulting in poor central vision;

3. glaucoma - where the optic nerve of the eye is weakened and damaged from the eye pressure, resulting in silent, painless vision loss; and

4. retinal detachment - when the delicate nerve layer that lines the inside of the eyeball tears away from the eye, producing sudden floaters and a drop in vision.

   
   

However, there are no treatments to prevent any of these complications from happening in the highly myopic adult. In some sense, their future has already been determined since their childhood. 

So what can be done if you are an adult with high myopia? The first step is to get your eyes screened for some of these problems. There does not appear to be any consensus as to when to start, but 40 years old seems to be the number commonly used. Get checked for glaucoma and retinal issues. And get help urgently if you suddenly experience a rush of floaters, flashes, or a drop in vision, no matter your degree of myopia.

For an appointment to be seen within 24 hours, please contact Dr Khor Wei Boon :

1) Whatsapp +65 9755 2895 for an appointment

2) call us at +65 6836 0900

3) email us at appointments@eyevision.com.sg