Re: Myopia & Retinal problems

Posted By Mike on June 13, 1999 at 15:40:10
In general, what is the length of the eyeball when a person should consider themselves at greater risk for retinal tears or detachments.  For example, are there studies that show that people at 27 mm or above are at what ?% greater risk than people at 25 mm? Is the degree of diopter deficiency a better measurement for determining risk?
If a person has minus 6 diopter myopia & over 40, should that person have their retinas examined once a year by an ophthalmologist even thought they have no other health problems?
Is there some risk when the eye doctor shines the light through the slit lamp onto the retina?  Is ultrasound more useful for detecting smaller retinal tears?

[HFHS MD JL]

Posted By HFHS M.D.-JL on June 13, 1999 at 18:15:44
Most studies use the diopters when studying levels of myopia and the assoc risk of retinal detachment.  There is a correlation between the length of an eye and the dioptric power.  A rough guide is that a high myope (greater than 5) has a lifetime risk of retinal tear/detachment of 5%.  This number is greatly influenced by other factors such as lattice degeneration or other ocular conditions.  Certainly, those more myopic are at greater risk.  I would recommend that high myopes have their retinas examined every year, certainly after age 40.  The gold standard for retina examination is using the binocular indirect (bright light).  Ultrasound would not be as sensitive or practical.  There is essentially no risk to the retina when using a bright light for evaluation, but it is possible if the light is used for an extended period.
This information was provided for educational purposes only.
HFHS M.D.-JL










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Myopia & Retinal problems Mike Walsh 6/13/1999
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Re: Myopia & Retinal problems HFHS M.D.-JL 6/14/1999
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