Navigating High Myopia: What You Need to Know

At the age of 15, you face a vision profile that affects you considerably. Your myopia, or nearsightedness, is severe, with a prescription of -16 in one eye and -14 in the other. This condition places you among the more severe cases, often worse than 99% of the population. The question you might be grappling with is: how significant is this, and what steps can you take to manage your vision?

Understanding the Severity of Your Vision

Your myopia level is considered high, and it is crucial to understand that the severity of your vision condition is multifaceted. The primary concerns are not just your current vision but the long-term health of your eyes, particularly your retinas. Myopia so severe that it reaches -6 or higher is classified as high myopia, which carries an increased risk of retinal detachment and other ocular issues. Your doctor will likely emphasize the importance of annual dilated eye exams to monitor your retinal health and nip any potential problems in the bud.

Treatment Options

In terms of vision correction, standard glasses and contacts can help you see clearly. If you have reached 20/20 vision with glasses and contacts, that's a positive sign. However, if your vision is still less than 20/20, you might want to explore other options. Once your vision stabilizes, typically after the age of 21, you could consider an implantable collamer lens (ICL), a permanent solution that can provide better clarity and convenience without the need for daily lens handling.

Health Considerations

The health of your retinas is paramount. Any prescription over -6 indicates a higher risk of retinal complications. It's essential to have regular dilated eye exams to check for any potential problems. If you experience any flashes of light or floaters (small, often black specks or strings that float in your field of vision), you should seek medical attention right away.

Additionally, if you participate in any high-impact sports, it's recommended that you have your eye exam after your season is over. This is a preventive measure to ensure the health and safety of your eyes. If it were my child, I would likely opt for soft contacts instead of glasses to ensure better movement and less risk of physical damage during sports.

Conclusion

Your vision condition is indeed significant and requires careful management. With the right approach, you can maintain your vision and eye health. Always follow your doctor’s guidance, undergo regular eye exams, and explore advanced correction methods as you grow older. Remember, early detection and proactive management are key to maintaining your ocular health and ensuring clear vision for the future.