retinal lattice degeneration/ floaters

Hi,

Every time I go to the eye doctor, my vision always worsens. I was told that it should stabilize by the time I am in my mid-20s but that hasnt happened. I am 29 now, and my vision is at -6.5 in 1 eye, and -8.0 in the other eye. I also started getting floaters last year which keeps worsening. I also recently was diagnosed with retinal lattice degeneration in one of my eye. Is there anything I can do to stop my vision from getting worse? Can this be due to a lot of computer usage? Will my vision stabilize? The doctor told me I am at high risk of retinal detacehment due to the lattice degeneration + being severely myopic. What can i do to prevent my eyes from getting worse and going blind?
I saw eye exercise kits online that claim to improve vision...do any of those work? Will my floaters go away...they are getting really annoying? i am really scared and would like any help/advise.

maya

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

These are all excellent questions.  First your myopia is mostly determined by genetics BUT it can be worsened somewhat by constant near work like reading, computer work, or other close work.  Also, there can be a tendancy sometimes for the patient to want stronger glasses each time they are examined - some of the increased myopia may be real but some is artificially induced due to prolonged near work.  When the stronger glasses are prescribed - then the patient can get used to them and want even stronger glasses next visit.  So it is important for the doctor to accurately determine the true refractive error and give no more power than necessary.  If you want to try to try to slow down your progression of myopia - there have been studies of using cycloplegic drops like cyclopentolate or atropine, or prescribing bifocals, or prescribing glasses weaker than needed and there is no conclusive evidence that any of them help.  In the end I would make sure you have an excellent ophthalmologist who does a very careful refraction, and doesn't give you any more power than you need.  The rest is genetically determined.

Regarding lattice - it is fairly common BUT if combined with your level of myopia, you do indeed have a higher rate of retinal detachment (but still probably less than 5% chance.)  So it is important to have a very good dilated retinal evaluation every year with a board-certified ophthalmologist.  If there are any suspicious signs the general ophthalmologist may send you to a retinal specialist ophthalmologist.  In the meantime, call your ophthalmologist immediately if you have any flashing lights or new floaters or any changes in your vision.  Finally, try to be at ease, because you do not have a dangerous disease or terrible eye  condition.  There are millions of people with myopia at your level.  As long as you have access to regular care with a good ophthalmologist you should be just fine.

Michael Kutryb, MD