Ophthalmologist warned about the risk of vision loss due to myopia

Despite the widespread opinion about the harmlessness of myopia, this disease can lead to quite serious complications, including loss of vision. Ekaterina Bayandina, ophthalmologist at the Atribyut clinic, told Izvestia about this on March 7.

According to her, retinal detachment can be the most serious complication in the case of myopia.

"With myopia, the eye changes its shape from round to oval, that is, it lengthens. This process provokes detachment of the retina: it stretches, blood microcirculation is disrupted in it, and areas of severe thinning (dystrophy) appear. Microfractures and subsequent detachment may form in these places. If such a process is started and not controlled by specialists, it can lead to partial or complete loss of vision," the specialist explained.

She also noted that myopia can cause pathological changes in the central area of the retina, the macula. In such cases, a person may experience a loss of central vision, which is necessary for reading, facial recognition, and performing accurate work. The elongation of the eyeball over time can lead to dystrophic changes in the tissues of the posterior part of the eye and hemorrhages.

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According to the doctor, the highest risk of complications is observed in people with a high degree of myopia — more than -6 diopters, as well as with the rapid progression of the disease and the presence of a hereditary predisposition.

Bayandina stressed that in many cases it is possible to prevent the development of severe consequences if a number of recommendations are followed. First of all, it is necessary to undergo regular examinations by an ophthalmologist in order to detect changes in a timely manner and begin treatment. It is also important to choose the right glasses or contact lenses for vision correction.

"Proper use of glasses or contact lenses will reduce visual stress and reduce the chance of complications. Do not forget about physical activity, as it strengthens overall health, including blood circulation and metabolism, and improves the trophism of eye tissues. People with diabetes, hypertension and other common diseases need to undergo timely treatment to reduce the risk of developing pathological changes in the eyes," said the ophthalmologist.

The doctor also recommended observing the visual load regime. To do this, you can use the "20-20-20" rule: take a break every 20 minutes and look at an object located about 6 m away for 20 seconds. In addition, it is important to avoid reading in low light conditions and keep a book or smartphone at arm's length to reduce eye strain.

Olga Popkova, a pediatric ophthalmologist at the SM Clinic for Children, told Izvestia on February 19 about signs of visual impairment in children. According to her, problems with vision can be indicated by irritability, anxiety and decreased academic performance at school. The specialist named refractive errors, myopia (nearsightedness), hypermetrosia (farsightedness) and astigmatism as the most common deterioration among children.

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