High Myopia

Hello, I'm 19 yr old. I have myopia >20D. Just a simple question for doctors here. Do you have lot of patients 20D+ that still have good vision (can work on computer, can watch TV, can read, can cook, drive a bike, go to work). I am under care of a very good retinal specialist. He is 24/24 if i have a problem with my vision. Did I have good chances to prevent any bigger vision loss if i act very quick?... Thanks =)

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

Not very common.  I would recommend taking breaks from near work/computer work every half an hour to relax your muscles (theory out there that it may help slow down the progression which continues in some people past the age of 25).  You could still loose vision from degeneration of your macula or choroidal neovascularization but regular follow up may help prevent certain other preventable problems such as retinal detachment and early treatment of CNV if it occurs.  Not unusual to maintain decent vision for a long time with correction.

HV