HomeHealth & FitnessRetinal risks in high myopia: Cataract and retina surgeon explains causes, symptoms, and eye care tips
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Retinal risks in high myopia: Cataract and retina surgeon explains causes, symptoms, and eye care tips

High myopia is more than thick lenses — it can also be a silent menace to eyesight. Those with very high glasses numbers are much more likely to develop retinal problems. Knowing these risks and getting a regular eye exam are essential for saving long-term vision and preventing permanent damage

September 26, 2025 / 10:06 IST
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From retinal detachment to macular degeneration, severe myopia carries risks you shouldn’t ignore (Image: Pexels)
From retinal detachment to macular degeneration, severe myopia carries risks you shouldn’t ignore (Image: Pexels)

Myopia, or near-sightedness, is a common eye condition that makes distant objects appear blurred. Mild to moderate forms of myopia can be corrected using glasses or contact lenses, but high myopia is an entirely different story. Defined as -6.00 diopters or greater, high myopia occurs when the eyeball elongates to stretch the retina — the part of the eye that perceives light — and is so elongated that it becomes fragile, more fragile than a healthy eyeball, which raises risk for problems.

The threat is not only your acquiring stronger glasses, but that you could damage your retina and lose vision permanently. High myopes are also at greater risk of retinal detachment and myopic macular degeneration as well as lattice degeneration, and even macular holes.

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Dr Pawan Gupta, Senior Cataract & Retina Surgeon, Eye 7 Hospital Lajpat Nagar & Vision Eye Clinic New Delhi, tells Moneycontrol that preventive care, early diagnosis and vigilant monitoring are all key for people with high myopia. “With good surveillance of the eye, advanced imaging, and recognition of warning signs, many threats to sight can be arrested or managed,” he says.

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