High Myopia: Frequently Asked Questions Before Vision Correction!

High Myopia: Frequently Asked Questions Before Vision Correction!

Hello, we are Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic, an ophthalmology clinic at Gangnam Station that provides 1:1 customized care, from pre-surgical examinations to post-surgical care, for personalized vision correction.

Today, we will briefly look at common questions related to high myopia in an O/X format, which are frequently asked before actual examinations.

If you are curious about more detailed information, please check out the Smile Doctor Yeom Sabu TV video on YouTube or inquire through KakaoTalk, our website, etc.

Q. Myopia does not progress after age 20? A. X

Myopia: A refractive error where the focal point of light passing through the cornea and lens falls in front of the retina, causing distant objects to appear blurry.

Until the age of 20, as the body grows, the length of the eye also increases, and myopia can appear. This is also why vision correction surgery is often performed after the Suneung (college entrance exam) or after turning twenty.

However, since myopia can progress even after the age of twenty, we recommend confirming that myopia is no longer progressing before deciding on surgery.

Q. Do I become more attractive without glasses? A. O

While this can vary from person to person, one of the main reasons this is often said is due to the characteristics of lenses.

When correcting myopia with glasses, concave lenses are used. When looking at objects through concave lenses, images are perceived as smaller than they actually are.

Conversely, the size of your eyes as seen by others through concave lenses also appears smaller.

When you take off your glasses, your eyes appear their original, larger size, which makes your features look a bit more distinct, likely leading to the common saying that you look more attractive.

Q. Does myopia increase the likelihood of retinal diseases? A. O

It is well-known that the higher the degree of myopia, the higher the risk of retinal diseases.

To explain this using the analogy of a balloon:

When you inflate a balloon, a moderate amount of air helps maintain its shape. However, if you inflate it indefinitely, the surface of the balloon will gradually thin out as it cannot withstand the pressure, eventually causing it to burst.

The retina is similar.

In cases of severe myopia, the eyeball usually lengthens. While the eyeball won't burst like a balloon, it can lead to degeneration of the macula (the central part of the retina), thinning of the retina causing holes, or even a very dangerous situation where the retina detaches.

Therefore, individuals with severe myopia should definitely undergo regular ophthalmological examinations.

Q. Floaters have no relation to myopia? A. X

Floaters usually occur when the posterior part of the vitreous, which borders the retina, naturally detaches from the retina.

While it can be considered a natural aging process, in cases of severe myopia, these floaters can appear at an earlier age.

In cases where the retina is thin, such as with high myopia, during the process of posterior vitreous detachment, holes in the retina or retinal detachment can sometimes occur.

If you notice an increase in floating spots, a flashing sensation, or a feeling that something is obstructing your vision, please visit an ophthalmologist for an examination as soon as possible.

Q. Is it impossible to achieve 20/20 vision even with correction for high myopia? A. X

That is not necessarily true.

Even with high myopia, if the corrected vision measured during the pre-surgical examination is 20/20 or better, most patients recover smoothly after vision correction surgery.

So, there's no need to worry too much.

Instead of worrying about surgery just because your myopia is severe, get an accurate eye examination and, after thorough consultation with an ophthalmologist regarding the safety of the surgery and the expected vision recovery, decide on the surgery.

This will help you achieve satisfactory correction results!

Q. Does myopia regression occur frequently after surgery for high myopia? A. O

It is known that the likelihood of myopia regression is higher and more frequent in cases of severe myopia compared to mild myopia.

Considering this, sometimes surgery is performed with slight overcorrection to account for the expected degree of myopia regression, or re-correction procedures are performed.

One of the reasons for the recent high interest in SMILE surgery might be that it has significantly less regression in high myopia correction compared to LASIK and LASEK.

If you are curious about more detailed information~!

Please refer to the Smile Doctor Yeom Sabu TV video or receive a personalized check-up and consultation after an examination at Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic.