Refractive Surgery for High Myopia: What You Need to Know
Refractive surgery is an increasingly popular procedure for people who want to get rid of their glasses or contact lenses, especially those who suffer from myopia. But is this surgery effective for all types of myopia, including high or pathological myopia? Let's explore this topic in more depth.
#### What is high myopia?
Myopia is a refractive error that causes difficulty in seeing distant objects. This is because the eye is more elongated than normal, causing the image of objects to form before the retina, rather than on it. When myopia exceeds five or six degrees, it is classified as high or pathological myopia. This condition not only impairs vision, but can also compromise the internal structure of the eye, especially the retina.
The retina is the inner layer of the eye responsible for capturing images and sending them to the brain. In cases of high myopia, the retina becomes thinner and more vulnerable to complications such as retinal detachment and myopic maculopathy. These conditions can severely affect vision and require continuous medical monitoring.
#### The Role of Refractive Surgery
Refractive surgery, such as PRK or LASIK, is a laser procedure that alters the curvature of the cornea so that the image falls directly on the retina, thus correcting vision. However, it is important to understand that this surgery only corrects the degree of myopia and not the structural changes caused by high myopia.
For example, if a patient with nine degrees of myopia undergoes refractive surgery, the laser adjusts the cornea so that vision is corrected, but the length of the eye - which is directly linked to the degree of myopia - remains the same. This means that the internal structure of the eye, including the retina, is not affected by the surgery, and the complications associated with high myopia, such as retinal detachment or myopic maculopathy, are not resolved by this procedure.
#### Risks and Benefits of Refractive Surgery in Patients with High Myopia
Refractive surgery is an effective solution for improving the quality of life of many patients, providing clearer vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. However, for patients with high myopia, it is essential to understand that although surgery corrects vision, it does not eliminate the need for regular ophthalmic follow-up to monitor possible retinal complications.
Patients with high myopia have an increased risk of retinal detachment, which requires continuous attention, even after surgery. In addition, it is essential that the patient is assessed by a specialized ophthalmologist before undergoing refractive surgery, to ensure that their cornea is the right thickness and shape for the procedure.
#### Final considerations
If you are considering refractive surgery to correct high myopia, talk to your ophthalmologist in detail. Understand that although surgery can significantly improve your vision and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses, it does not solve the structural problems associated with high myopia, especially those related to the retina.
Remember that eye health goes beyond visual correction. Regular follow-up with an ophthalmologist is crucial to monitor and treat possible complications that may arise, thus ensuring healthy vision in the long term.
If you have any more questions about refractive surgery and high myopia, leave a comment below. Don't forget to like this article and subscribe to our channel for more information on eye health and retinal diseases.
This video and its comments are not a substitute for a doctor's consultation and are for educational purposes only. They should not be used to make decisions, for which a face-to-face consultation with a specialist doctor is necessary.
Author:
Dr. Mário César Bulla
Cremers 28120
Ophthalmologist - Retinologist
www.clinicabulla.com.br
www.especialistaemretina.com.br
Instagram: @retina.bulla
Video URL: • Cirurgia refrativa cura alta miopia ??
@Retina e Vítreo
#retina
#ophthalmology
0:00 Does refractive surgery cure high myopia?
1:00 What is pathological myopia?
1:35 What happens to the retina in myopia?
