High Myopia

[aditi_behl]

Hello Doctor,

I'm a very concerned mother of an 11 years old daughter. She has high myopia with number 10. It keeps increasing every year. How far can it go and when would it stop increasing. What precautioons should we take. Is it ok for her to play any sports? Is LASIK surgery good for her after she turns 18 or after the age of 21. Please answer my questions. I'm worried about her.

Thanks,
Mom

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[AntonReiser]

Hello,
I am just a fellow myopic but I can answer your questions.
You never know how much myopia will increase. I started with -3.5 at the age of 6 and now I am having -10/-13.
There is no real cure for it. There is no real way to stop it.
From a statistical point of view you can say: excessive nearwork deteriorates myopia and persons with lots of outdoor activity have a lower progression of it. So any sport is good if only the eyes don't get hurt.

Axial myopia leads to stretching of inner tissues of the eye. The long eye is in danger of having retinal diseases. So have her eyes checked every year and anytime her vision changes. You shouldn't have surgery done at her delicate eyes unless there is absolutely no alternative.
Lasik for example doesn't work well beyond -8 diopters.
The best to you and your daughter