Top 10 Risks of High Myopia and How to Prevent Them

With the widespread use of electronic products and increasing academic pressure, the number of people with myopia in China continues to rise, and the proportion of patients with high myopia is also increasing year by year. Dr Zhang Jian, Chief Physician of the Department of Ophthalmology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, points out that high myopia not only affects vision, but may also lead to a variety of serious complications, and therefore must be given sufficient attention.

I. Ten Major Hazards of High Myopia

1. Increased risk of retinal detachment: In patients with high myopia, the retina becomes thinner and is prone to tears, which can lead to retinal detachment and, in severe cases, blindness.

2. Macular degeneration: High myopia can cause haemorrhage and atrophy in the macular area, severely affecting central vision; it is one of the main causes of blindness.

3. Increased incidence of glaucoma: In high myopia, axial elongation and structural changes within the eye mean that the incidence of glaucoma is 3–5 times that of people with normal eyes.

4. Earlier onset of cataract: Patients with high myopia generally develop cataracts 10–15 years earlier than usual.

5. Worsening floaters: Vitreous liquefaction becomes more pronounced, leading to more floating opacities in front of the eyes and reduced visual quality.

6. Reduced night vision: Patients with high myopia have significantly poorer night vision, which can affect safety during night-time activities.

7. Restrictions on exercise: Strenuous exercise may trigger retinal detachment, so high-risk activities such as diving and bungee jumping should be avoided.

8. Restrictions on career choice: Professions such as pilots and military roles have strict visual requirements, making it difficult for people with high myopia to meet them.

9. Reduced quality of life: Dependence on spectacles or contact lenses causes considerable inconvenience in daily life.

10. Increased psychological pressure: Vision problems may lead to anxiety, low self-esteem and other psychological issues.

II. Effective Preventive Measures

1. Control near-work time: Follow the “20-20-20” rule—every 20 minutes, look at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

2. Maintain correct visual posture: Keep a reading distance of at least 30 cm, and avoid reading while lying down or lying face down.

3. Ensure adequate lighting: Ambient lighting while reading should reach 300–500 lux, and avoid using the eyes in dim environments.

4. Increase outdoor activity: Ensure at least two hours of outdoor activity each day; sunlight helps slow the progression of myopia.

5. Eat a balanced diet: Consume more foods rich in vitamin A and lutein, such as carrots and blueberries.

6. Regular eye examinations: Patients with high myopia should have a comprehensive eye examination every 6–12 months.

7. Appropriate spectacle correction: Choose a professional provider for optometric refraction and update spectacles with the correct prescription promptly.

8. Control use of electronic products: Reduce time spent on smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices, and avoid using them while on the move.

9. Traditional Chinese medicine regulation: Methods such as Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture may be used to regulate liver and kidney function and improve ocular blood circulation.

10. Establish a health record: Record changes in vision to help doctors develop personalised prevention and control plans.

Special reminder: Patients who already have high myopia should take particular care to avoid strenuous exercise and trauma, and should undergo regular fundus examinations. If symptoms such as sudden vision loss, flashes of light, or visual field defects occur, seek medical attention immediately. Through evidence-based prevention and control, the progression of myopia can be effectively slowed and the risk of complications reduced.

Prevention of high myopia should begin in childhood. Parents should attach importance to protecting their children’s vision, and schools and society should work together to create a good visual environment. Only through joint efforts can the high prevalence of myopia be effectively controlled and the eye health of the public protected.