Degenerative myopia with retinal detachment digital illustration

Degenerative myopia with retinal detachment Save


ICD-10 code: H44.2C

Chapter: Diseases of the eye and adnexia

Degenerative Myopia with Retinal Detachment: Understanding the Condition

Degenerative myopia is a vision condition that occurs when a person's eyeball grows too long, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. This leads to blurry vision, especially when looking at distant objects. In some cases, degenerative myopia can also cause retinal detachment, a serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss.

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, pulls away from its normal position. This can happen when there are tears or holes in the retina, allowing fluid to seep underneath and separate the retina from its supporting tissues.

While anyone can develop degenerative myopia or retinal detachment, certain factors can increase the risk. These include:

  1. Family history: If someone in your family has degenerative myopia or has experienced retinal detachment, you may be more likely to develop these conditions as well.
  2. Age: Degenerative myopia typically develops in childhood and adolescence, while retinal detachment is more common in people over the age of 40.
  3. High myopia: People with high myopia (nearsightedness) are more likely to develop degenerative myopia and retinal detachment.
  4. Eye injuries: Trauma to the eye can increase the risk of retinal detachment.

If you have degenerative myopia, it's important to have regular eye exams to monitor your condition and detect any changes that could lead to retinal detachment. Symptoms of retinal detachment include:

  • Flashes of light in your peripheral vision
  • Sudden appearance of floaters (small, dark shapes that float across your field of vision)
  • A shadow or curtain across part of your visual field
  • Blurred or distorted vision

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

Treatment for retinal detachment typically involves surgery to reattach the retina to its supporting tissues. The type of surgery will depend on the severity and location of the detachment.

In conclusion, degenerative myopia with retinal detachment is a serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. If you have degenerative myopia, be sure to have regular eye exams and seek prompt medical attention if you experience any symptoms of retinal detachment.