Can I go blind because of myopia?

Left untreated, high myopia complications can lead to blindness, so regular eye exams are critical. Degenerative myopia: A fairly rare but serious form that usually begins in early childhood is degenerative myopia. This form is severe because it damages the retina and is a leading cause of legal blindness.

Should I worry about my myopia?

Not necessarily. Myopia is a common refractive error that comes with a host of potential complications. Even mild nearsightedness increases risks for glaucoma, and retinal detachment is four to ten times more likely among myopic patients than those with hyperopia or astigmatism.

Can you live with high myopia?

There is currently no cure for pathological myopia. Individuals with stable high myopia will be followed up regularly for visual acuity, refraction, and general ophthalmic health.

How bad vision is legally blind?

If you’re legally blind, your vision is 20/200 or less in your better eye or your field of vision is less than 20 degrees. That means if an object is 200 feet away, you have to stand 20 feet from it in order to see it clearly. But a person with normal vision can stand 200 feet away and see that object perfectly.

Can myopia lead to blindness?

Can myopia lead to blindness? In extreme circumstances, myopia (nearsightedness) can lead to serious, vision-threatening complications, including blindness. However, this is rare and occurs primarily in cases where high myopia has reached an advanced stage called degenerative myopia (or pathological myopia).

What is short-sightedness (myopia)?

Short-sightedness (myopia) usually occurs when the eyes grow slightly too long, which means they’re unable to produce a clear image of objects in the distance.

What can I do to prevent myopia?

Routine eye exams and myopia control measures are the best ways to help slow the progression of myopia and reduce the risk of dangerous complications from high myopia that could cause blindness. If it’s been more than a year since your last eye exam, schedule one today with an eye doctor near you.

What causes myopia in children?

Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long during childhood. This causes light entering the eye to be focused short of the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye instead of directly on the retina. The result is blurry distance vision, although close-up vision remains clear.