Myopia is commonly known as nearsightedness and high myopia is a severe level of this condition. If you have high myopia or think you might, you need proper eye care. Contact our ophthalmologist, Sina J Sabet MD PC in Alexandria to schedule an eye exam to treat your myopia.
Who Gets High Myopia?
Usually, people that develop high myopia first had myopia when they were young. Over time, the condition becomes worse until the patient's early adulthood at around age 20. For some patients, it continues to get worse even past this age. Often it simply comes from genetics, with certain genes being known to be involved in developing high myopia. If one parent, or both parents, have the condition, the children have a higher risk of developing myopia. High myopia is common around the world, with just under 3% of the population having the condition.
The Risk
Myopia, no matter how bad it is, does not cause the patient to lose vision. However, when a patient has high myopia, they are at a higher risk of developing several other eye conditions that can threaten their vision. These conditions include glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and retinal detachment. If you have high myopia, get your yearly eye exam to ensure that none of these other conditions are developing.
What Causes Myopia?
When the cornea in the eye is not curved correctly, it causes myopia. The eyeball is usually longer in those that have high myopia as well. With this shape, the light focuses further from the retina in the eye and makes things in the distance appear blurry.
Schedule Your Eye Exam in Alexandria, VA
If you have been diagnosed with nearsightedness or suspect that you may have the condition, Sina J Sabet MD PC is here to help. Call our team today at (703) 370-9411 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.