Desperate for answers....

[drakkan2001]

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Hey everyone,
Basically I wanted to ask if anyone can give me some "real" answers. I'm 20 years old, nearsighted at around 9 diopters (despite the fact that I try to take care of my eyes). Since 3rd grade my eyes have been worsening at around 50-100 degrees every year. I've been going to my optometrist for several years and everytime I ask him if I can prevent this condition from worsening, he says "no, it's genetic" and when I ask him what's actually happening to my eye he replies with "it's getting bigger". I'm starting to doubt the validity of his statements because he "promised" me that it'll stop when I finish puberty. So I implore those who are knowledgable about this to finally give me an answer that will end my frustrations. I know there isn't a cure to this but can I possibly stop it or will my eye fall out??? Also, is there any place for me to gather more information about it? I'm trying to learn and be as well educated as I can be about my near sighted condition. Thanks for all your input and help.

 

[Andrew_Doan]

Dear Drakkan2001,

Myopic progression should slow down as you get older, but there may be some progression. I've seen myopes in their 20s and 30s who change about -0.50 diopters yearly.

There was some research earlier that suggested wearing rigid gas permeable contact lenses may slow down the myopic progression; however, a recent study suggests that RGPs may do very little in regards to slowing of myopic progression:

A randomized trial of rigid gas permeable contact lenses to reduce progression of children's myopia.

Am J Ophthalmol. 2003 Jul;136(1):82-90.

Katz J, Schein OD, Levy B, Cruiscullo T, Saw SM, Rajan U, Chan TK, Yew Khoo C, Chew SJ.

Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205-2103, USA. [email protected]

I should emphasize that you need regular dilated exams to rule-out any sequelae from your high myopia. You need to seek immediate attention if you experience flashes of lights (similar to fireworks or sparklers), increased number of floaters, distorted images, or curtains being pulled over your vision. These can be signs and symptoms of retina tears, breaks, or detachments.