Vision Therapy in Livonia

The Link Between High Myopia and Serious Eye Diseases

(734) 525-8170

Are You at Risk?

High myopia, often referred to as severe nearsightedness, is a condition characterized by a high degree of myopia, resulting in significant difficulty seeing distant objects. While myopia can pose challenges, individuals with high myopia face an increased risk of developing severe eye diseases that can lead to vision loss. Understanding the connection between high myopia and these eye conditions is crucial for early detection and intervention.

woman rubbing eyes


man rubbing eyes

Defining High Myopia

High myopia is typically diagnosed when a person's prescription exceeds -6.00 diopters. It often occurs when the eyeball becomes elongated, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This structural change sets high myopia apart from mild to moderate myopia.


Serious Eye Diseases Associated with High Myopia

  • Retinal Detachment

    High myopia significantly raises the risk of retinal detachment, a condition where the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, detaches from its normal position. This separation can lead to vision loss and requires immediate medical attention.

  • Retinal Tears and Holes

    High myopia can lead to the development of retinal tears or holes, which may be precursors to retinal detachment. These issues must be addressed promptly to prevent further complications.

  • Glaucoma

    Individuals with high myopia may face a higher risk of developing glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and result in vision loss. Regular eye exams are crucial to monitor and manage this condition effectively.

  • Cataracts

    While not directly caused by high myopia, individuals with high myopia may experience an earlier onset of cataracts, which cloud the eye's natural lens and lead to decreased vision.

  • Myopic Macular Degeneration

    High myopia can contribute to the development of myopic macular degeneration, a condition affecting the central part of the retina (macula). This can lead to central vision loss, impacting one's ability to see fine details clearly.


Strategies to Reduce Your Risk of Serious Eye Conditions

While high myopia is associated with an increased risk of severe eye diseases, there are steps you can take to reduce this risk:

  • Get Regular Eye Exams

    Routine eye exams are essential for early detection and timely intervention. Your eye care professional can monitor the health of your eyes and address any emerging issues promptly.

  • Myopia Management

    If you or your child has high myopia, myopia management strategies, including orthokeratology (ortho-k) and low-dose atropine, can help slow the progression of myopia and reduce the associated risks.

  • A Healthy Lifestyle

    A balanced diet, regular outdoor time, proper exercise, and lifestyle choices that promote overall health can contribute to better eye health. This can reduce your long-term risk of severe eye conditions.

  • Protect Your Eyes

    If you engage in sports or activities that pose a risk to your eyes, consider protective eyewear to prevent injuries that could exacerbate eye issues.


Meet our Myopia Management Specialist

Patient Reviews
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409 Reviews
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- Dec. 09, 2024
Always a great experience. Dr. Jacobi is a caring and truly helpful low vision specialist and provi... des excellent service. The staff is helpful and friendly as well.
- Nov. 19, 2024
Doctor and staff are very knowledgeable, helpful, and easy to talk with. This was my first visit, a... nd I look forward to my next!
- Oct. 23, 2024
Very awesome staff!!
- Oct. 12, 2024
Attention, caring and thorough exam, answers, direction. I always feel confident that I've gotten th... e best care and advice. Takes time, not rushed through. Best experience.
- Oct. 11, 2024
Dr Arnold is excellent and everyone that works there is awesome
- Sep. 19, 2024
Amber is amazing to work with and extremely helpful
- Aug. 30, 2024
I always appreciate their professionalism while making me feel like part of the family.
- Aug. 28, 2024
All the staff was very good and helpful Amber and Andrew are awesome!
- Jul. 24, 2024
Great group of people that work there and the service is excellent
- Jul. 18, 2024
Dr. Jacobi is a very knowledgeable and detailed doctor. He is also very funny and makes you feel com... fortable.
- Jun. 30, 2024
Suburban Eye Care provide the latest in eye technology and eye care services
- Jun. 20, 2024
Excellent place for Vision Therapy! Our child was struggling with reading and below grade level and ... after working with the therapists here, he’s made huge improvements and loves to read. We’re very happy with the program!
- Jun. 12, 2024
There is nothing that needs to be changed about this place. From the initial phone call to every ap... pointment we've had has been beyond 5 stars. I've recommended my sister as well. Dr Arnold....don't ever leave. I'll follow you. Love the entire staff.
- Jun. 06, 2024
Vision Therapy was the best thing for my daughter. She really struggled with reading. We went to the... eye doctor and was told her eyes were fine. Then spoke with a friend whose daughter was currently in VT and the symptoms she said she had were what my daughter had. We made an appointment to Suburban and she spent the next 9 months in VT. There were times where it was hard and we didn’t know if we could make it through some of the activities each week but we did and the growth she showed was amazing. Her grades have improved especially in reading and spelling. We are so grateful for VT!
- May. 27, 2024
excellent eye care, very friendly and efficient admin staff.
- May. 22, 2024
The best eye care in Michigan! Period!
- May. 22, 2024
They really took the time to make sure my son had a thorough eye exam. Rachel was awesome!
- May. 18, 2024
Wonderful recent appointment with Dr Arnold and the team at Suburban Eye Care! Assistants were very ... friendly as well and the selections of frames is unmatched!
- May. 10, 2024
I've been going to Suburban Eye Care for many years. The staff had always been friendly and profess... ional. The staff explains each step of the exam and Dr. Arnold is very thorough and answers any questions I may have. I am very pleased with my experiences here.
- Apr. 29, 2024
Best eye care place to take small children, or overly hyperactive children. Highly recommend.

View All 409 Reviews

Myopia Management in Livonia

Our optometry practice in Livonia

Photograph of Kayla  Smith
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
    3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
    3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

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Suburban Eye Care: Your First Line of Defence Against High Myopia

The link between high myopia and serious eye diseases underscores the importance of proactive eye care. If you have high myopia or a family history of the condition, regular eye exams and discussions with your eye care professional are vital to safeguard your vision and reduce the associated risks.

Contact Suburban Eye Care to schedule an eye exam, and let us guide you through high myopia and its potential impact on your eye health.

(734) 525-8170