Can myopia cause optic nerve damage?

Hi, i am a 16 years old female, and i have myopia in both eyes. my vision is -4.5 in both eyes. i wanted to ask that if myopia can cause optic nerve damage?? also does it damages retina? can a damaged retina and optic nerve be cured? should i tell my doctor to look for damaged optic nerve and retina?  

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Myopia itelf doesn't cause optic nerve damage.  In some people with very high levels of myopia (like -12 or -15) they can get progressive thinning and stretching of the retinal, choroid and sclera called myopic degeneration which cause some permanant vision loss in adulthood.  Make sure you see a board-certified ophthalmologist and express your worries about your myopia.  Remember that there are probably something like 100 million people like you around the world so this is not an unusual situation to have moderate myopia.  I'm not sure about the fleeting aching of the eyes - could be dry eyes from excessive computer or reading work.

[TimonR]

i forgot to mention that somethimes both of my eyes hurt for a second. i feel like my eye is pressered, then after a second it stops hurting. this pain in eyes is random, sometimes my right eye hurt, sometimes my left one hurts.

[AntonReiser]

High myopia is a risk factor for retinal detachment.
High myopia starts at approximately -6 diopters.
Nevertheless you should have your eyes checked every year. You can also have a dilated retinal examination.