Bringing Unilateral High Myopia into Focus.

Background: Myopia is a relatively common refractive error that typically occurs bilaterally. In rare cases, myopia may present unilaterally, with one eye having minimal refractive error and the other eye being highly myopic. In some patients, there is no identifiable cause for this unique form of a...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Optometry & Visual Performance Vol. 6; no. 3; pp. 130 - 135
Autor principal: Varney, Kelly
Formato: case study diagnostic images tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Optometric Extension Program Jun2018
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Background: Myopia is a relatively common refractive error that typically occurs bilaterally. In rare cases, myopia may present unilaterally, with one eye having minimal refractive error and the other eye being highly myopic. In some patients, there is no identifiable cause for this unique form of anisometropia, but commonly there is an associated ocular or systemic pathology. The visual acuity in the more myopic eye typically ranges from 20/20 to 20/200, with refractive amblyopia frequently being present. The increased myopia also puts these patients at a higher risk for retinal complications. Case Series: This article reviews potential underlying causes for unilateral high myopia, clinical findings, beneficial testing, and proper treatment and management. Several case examples of unilateral high myopia are presented. Age, medical/ocular history, examination findings, refractive error, unaided and best-corrected visual acuities, treatment/management, and potential underlying etiologies are discussed. Conclusion: The visual prognosis can vary greatly, but current research has shown that improvement in the visual acuity can often be made with full correction of the refractive error alongside amblyopia treatment. Viable refractive correction options include spectacle correction, contact lens wear, orthokeratology, corneal refractive surgery, and intraocular lens implantation. These patients also require annual dilated fundus exams due to the higher risk of retinal complications associated with high myopia.