Risks of having moderate to high myopia

[Eagle888]

I have myopia around -5.5D.  I just had a dilated eye exam and my opthamologist (MD) told me that my retinas looked fine and no signs of thinning or tears etc.  I am still very nervous about having future eye problems due to my moderate/high myopia.  
1.  Is there anything surgery I can do to prevent having a retinal detachment which I know I am at high risk of?
2.  What is the percent risk of me deveolping RD at my perscription? 5% or higher?
3.  Do most of your patients you see with moderate to high myopia eventually go blind from retinal or macular problems or do many of them continue to see fairly well until they reach old age?
4.  I have a family and children and don't want to be dependent on them due to my "bad eyes".  

Thanks for any advice you have!

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

Yes that is true. The chances of you having poor vision in middle and old age is very small, not much higher than the general population.

JCH MD

[Eagle888]

Thanks Dr Hagan for your prompt response!  It is very much appreciated.  

I have one more question for you.  
I read somewhere in one of your posts that most or almost all of your patients with moderate to high myopia have decent vision until they reach old age and can function quite well (ie not totally blind).  

Would you say in your experience seeing patients all these years that that is true and did I interpret that correct?

I think alot of us with moderate to high myopia would find that quite reassuring:)

Thanks!

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

1,  No if your retina is normal you do not need any surgery.
2. The risk in absolute terms is low. If you do not have family history of RD in blood relatives your risk is about 1 in 2000.
3. Most do not develop myopic macular degeneration
4. You do not have "bad eyes"  your ophthalmologist told you that there were no health issues. You just need glasses or contacts or lasik to see well.
5. If you really want to take care of your eyes: live a healthy lifestyle, don't smoke, exercise in moderation, don't grow obese, don't drink alcohol heavily, keep your blood pressure, cholesterol in healthy levels, eat a good diet, protect your eyes from injury and see an ophthalmologist yearly.

JCH MD