Studies show that myopia is most prevalent among younger adults, particularly in urbanised Southeast Asian countries. While eye care options are available for proper management, myopia still poses a lifetime risk of serious eye conditions, including retinal detachment.
Understanding the link between high myopia and retinal detachment is crucial for early detection and mitigating risk.
What is Retinal Detachment?
Retinal detachment happens when the retina pulls away from the underlying tissue at the back of the eye, disrupting its function.
As the retina is responsible for detecting light and sending visual signals to the brain, any separation from its blood supply means it no longer receives the oxygen and nutrients needed to function properly. This leads to progressive vision loss, which can become permanent if not treated promptly.
The longer the retina remains detached, the higher the risk of irreversible blindness. That's why immediate medical attention is critical to preserving vision.
Causes of Retinal Detachment
While high myopia significantly increases the risk of retinal detachment, other factors can also contribute to this serious eye condition. Some of the main causes include:
- Ageing: Retinal detachment is more common in people aged 40 to 70. As we age, the vitreous gel in the eye naturally changes in texture and may shrink. In some cases, this shrinkage causes the vitreous to pull on the retina, leading to a tear that can progress into detachment.
- Retinal Tears and Holes: When the vitreous pulls on the retina, it can create tears or holes in the delicate tissue. If left untreated, these openings allow fluid to seep behind the retina, increasing the likelihood of detachment.
- Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): PVD is common in individuals aged 66 to 86 and occurs when the vitreous gel separates from the retina. This can cause visual disturbances like flashes of light or floaters. In some cases, the vitreous pulls too forcefully on the retina, creating a tear, which may lead to detachment if fluid accumulates behind it.
- Diabetic Retinopathy and Fibrous Scar Tissue: Individuals with advanced diabetic retinopathy are at risk of retinal detachment due to abnormal blood vessel growth in the back of the eye. When damaged blood vessels caused by diabetes may close off, this prompts the growth of fragile new blood vessels that could cause leaking into the vitreous. Over time, scar tissue forms, pulling the retina away from the back of the eye, resulting in detachment.
Overview of High Myopia
Myopia, or nearsightedness, occurs when distant objects appear blurry because of the elongation of the eyeball. This structural change causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it, leading to impaired distance vision. While corrective measures such as glasses or contact lenses can address myopia, high myopia presents additional risks.
According to Stanford Medicine, high myopia is often genetically inherited and significantly alters the eye's natural proportions. Beyond blurry vision, this condition can lead to retinal thinning, making this layer in the eye more fragile.
How Common is Retinal Detachment in Individuals with High Myopia?
Studies show that individuals with high myopia are five to six times more likely to develop retinal detachment. This increased risk stems from the elongation of the eyeball, which stretches and thins the retina. As the retina becomes thinner, it becomes more vulnerable to tears and holes, which can eventually lead to detachment.
Additionally, high myopia affects the vitreous gel, increasing the likelihood of it collapsing and separating from the retina, causing posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). This condition could exert traction on the retina, also causing tears. When left unaddressed, these retinal tears could progress to retinal detachment.
Early Warning Signs and When to Seek Help
It’s important that when any of these signs occur, you should seek help right away. While retinal detachment is painless, delaying professional help could affect your vision permanently. Some of the signs to watch out for include:
- The sudden increase in floaters: Tiny specks or squiggly lines drifting across your vision.
- Flashes of light (photopsia): Brief, sudden bursts of light in one or both eyes.
- Blurred vision: Unexplained or worsening blurriness.
- Worsening peripheral vision: A gradual loss of side vision.
- Curtain-like shadow: A darkened area spreading across your visual field.
How to Mitigate the Risk of Retinal Detachment
While you can’t prevent retinal detachment, you can proactively take steps to lower your risk, especially if you have high myopia. These are some of our tips on how to manage myopia and lower the likelihood of developing retinal detachment:
- Schedule regular eye exams: Routine check-ups are crucial, especially for those with myopia, as they help detect early signs of retinal tears. Ensure your exams include dilated eye screenings for a thorough evaluation.
- Protect your eyes: It's important to wear protective eyewear, such as safety goggles when playing sports or engaging in activities that could cause eye injuries.
- Seek immediate medical attention: Should you notice signs of retinal detachment, visit an eye specialist or go to the emergency room immediately.
- Control diabetes and blood pressure: Keeping blood sugar and blood pressure levels in check can help prevent diabetes-related tractional retinal detachment.
How Is Retinal Detachment Addressed?
The recommended options for addressing retinal detachment depend on its severity and type. Laser surgery, cryopexy (freezing treatment), or other surgical procedures may be suggested to repair retinal tears and reattach the retina. In some cases, a combination of interventions may be necessary.
- Laser Surgery or Cryopexy (Freezing Treatment): If you have a small hole or tear in your retina, a medical laser or a freezing probe may be used to seal the break and prevent further detachment. These are typically performed in the eyecare professional's office as outpatient procedures.
- Surgical Repair: If a significant portion of the retina has detached, surgery is required to reposition it. These procedures are typically performed in a hospital setting and may involve different techniques depending on the extent of the detachment.
Get Professional Help for Proper Myopia Management
If you have high myopia or are at an increased risk of developing it, consulting an experienced eye care professional in Singapore is essential. Kacee Eyecare offers comprehensive myopia management to help monitor and potentially slow down its progression, reducing the risk of complications like retinal detachment. Through regular eye examinations, our optometrists can assess your eye health and offer recommendations on how to potentially safeguard your vision. These recommendations may include myopia control lenses or lifestyle adjustments.
At Kacee Eyecare, our eyecare professionals are experts in myopia management, ensuring that patients receive care that promotes long-term eye health. Whether you're looking for preventive care or expert advice, we are dedicated to supporting your eye health and promoting healthy vision.