Suspecting Extremely High Myopia? A Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms and Corrections

BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil Branch

If you are experiencing blurred vision and severe eye fatigue, you might be suffering from extremely high myopia.

Here is a comprehensive guide to its primary symptoms, correction methods, and essential criteria for choosing the right surgery.

Criteria & Characteristics

What is Extremely High Myopia? Criteria and Characteristics

Myopia (nearsightedness) is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry, which is measured in diopters (D). Generally, a refractive error of -9D or -10D and above is classified as ' extremely high myopia.' This stage goes beyond simply having poor vision; it is considered a condition that can structurally affect the eye itself.

While regular myopia can be adequately corrected with standard lenses, extremely high myopia often involves an excessively elongated eyeball (axial length). This increases the relative risk of retinal thinning and other severe complications.

Difference from Regular Myopia

Regular myopia (around -3D to -6D) is easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses. However, because extremely high myopia is frequently accompanied by structural changes within the eye, a thorough and comprehensive examination is absolutely necessary before selecting a surgical correction method.

Major Symptoms

Symptoms of Extremely High Myopia

Extremely high myopia involves more than just declining vision; it can present with various ocular symptoms. If you continuously experience the following, we strongly recommend undergoing a comprehensive eye examination.

• • Severe Vision Decline: Corrected vision remains insufficient even with glasses or lenses, or night vision is particularly compromised.
• • Floaters (Myodesopsia): Seeing specks or thread-like objects floating in your field of vision. In severe high myopia, floaters can appear at a younger age and occur more frequently.
• • Photopsia (Flashes of Light): Seeing flashes of light even in dark environments. This requires careful attention as it may be caused by the vitreous gel tugging on the retina.
• • Visual Field Defects: If a part of your vision seems blocked or covered by a dark curtain, it could be a warning sign of retinal issues, requiring immediate examination.
• • Increased Eye Fatigue: Experiencing rapid eye fatigue and accompanying headaches after close-up tasks like reading or using a smartphone.
• • Higher Risk of Complications: If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, making regular check-ups absolutely crucial.

Correction Methods

How to Correct Extremely High Myopia

The ideal surgical correction for extremely high myopia depends heavily on your individual eye condition. By comprehensively evaluating corneal thickness, eye structure, and lifestyle patterns, your specialist will determine the most suitable method among SMILE LASIK, ICL, and LASEK.

1. SMILE LASIK

SMILE LASIK uses a highly advanced laser to precisely reshape the inside of the cornea. Its minimal incision size ensures rapid recovery and significantly lowers the risk of developing dry eye syndrome.

For severe high myopia (-10D or worse), the correction range may be limited; typically, it can safely correct up to around -8D. It is only applicable if sufficient corneal thickness is guaranteed, necessitating an in-depth consultation with your doctor after a precise examination.

2. Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)

ICL involves inserting a customized special lens into the eye without ablating any corneal tissue. It serves as an excellent alternative when LASIK or LASEK is not viable due to thin corneas or exceedingly high refractive errors.

ICL offers a broad correction range, making it a frequent choice for extremely high myopia, and the lens can safely be removed later if necessary. However, sufficient internal space (anterior chamber depth) within the eye is required to perform the procedure safely.

3. LASEK

LASEK involves a thin removal of the corneal surface. Since it does not create a corneal flap, it carries a relatively lower risk of damage from external physical impact.

It may be selected for patients with severe high myopia who lack sufficient corneal thickness but still meet the strict safety criteria for LASEK. However, the initial recovery period can take 1 to 3 months, and mild discomfort may occur during the healing process. Strict post-operative care, including comprehensive UV protection, is essential.

At a Glance Comparison

Comparing Surgical Methods

The table below summarizes the key differences between the three surgical methods. Rather than simply labeling one method as universally superior, the optimal choice is determined by your unique eye condition.

Selection Criteria

What to Consider Before Choosing a Surgery

Corrective surgery for extremely high myopia shouldn't be decided based on visual acuity numbers alone. The safest and most effective method must be chosen by comprehensively evaluating the patient's corneal condition, eye structure, and lifestyle.

1. Corneal Thickness and Shape

If the cornea is overly thin or irregularly shaped, LASIK or SMILE LASIK may not be viable. Identifying the safe ablation range through a precise corneal thickness test is the critical first step.

2. Eye Structure (Anterior Chamber Depth, etc.)

ICL requires sufficient internal space for a safe procedure. Comprehensive test results, including anterior chamber depth and endothelial cell count, will determine your eligibility for the surgery.

3. Lifestyle and Occupational Environment

For professions involving high activity levels or frequent physical contact, a flapless method (like LASEK or ICL) may be safer. Your work and study schedules during the recovery period must also be factored into the decision.

4. Detailed Consultation and Comparison

No single method is universally superior. Even with the exact same prescription, the ideal surgery varies per individual. We highly recommend making your final decision after a detailed consultation with your specialist based on precise diagnostic results.