Myopia in simple terms means’ nearsightedness’. It happens when the eyeball is elongated along with increased corneal curvature. This causes the image to fall in front of the retina instead of, on the retina as in the normal eye.
This refractive error is corrected by concave lens in the spectacles and contact lens.
Refractive procedure is another way in which the corneal curvature is altered permanently.
But what about the retina?
The elongation of retina can lead to increased stretching, leading to-
1)Lattice degeneration / retinal hole -these are the weaker spots in the retina
2)Retinal detachment –this can occur when retinal hole increases, fluid behind retina enters retina & causes its separation.
3)Myopic maculopathy– over stretching of retina can cause damage to its central part & decrease in vision - which is permanent
Choroidal Neovascularization - excessive retinal stretching causes physical stress & also leading to poor blood circulation, leading to formation of new abnormal blood vessels.
Do you get your retina checked atleast once a year?
MBH/DB