Vision Therapy in East

The Link Between High Myopia and Serious Eye Diseases

(303) 757-6747

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.

Patient Reviews
4.3
627 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Jul. 31, 2025
Great service! Mary was super friendly and helpful with selecting glasses.
- Jul. 18, 2025
Great customer service fast friendly effective quality care is high thank you
- Jul. 18, 2025
Dr. Tracy Wells was great as was Mary who helped me with the billing after my appointment. It was my... first aopointmnet with Dr. Wells and she was very professional!
- Jul. 03, 2025
I hadn’t had an eye exam in years and finally booked one when my vision got blurry. The optometris... t was great—friendly, professional, and explained everything during the exam. They let me try a few different lenses before deciding on the right ones, and I could actually see clear again for the first time in a while. Got my new glasses within a week. The selection was decent, not huge, but had some good stylish frames. Only complaint is the glasses were a bit pricey, but I guess that’s normal. The staff was helpful and didn’t pressure me to buy the most expensive ones either. Office was clean and I was in and out in under an hour. Real smooth experience overall. I’ll definitely come back next year for my checkup. If your vision’s getting worse like mine was, stop putting it off and just go.
- Jun. 06, 2025
I trust the Eye Care Specialist for decades with giving me the same remarkable experience every time... I step into their offices. I continue to trust the doctors to analyze my changing vision for many years trusting them to diagnose my vision properly taking the time to go over my health screenings, because it matters. Then not rushing my actual eye exams. Then Dr LaHaurd, is doing an AMAZING job of taking care of my son's changing vision who was playing sports in goggles with astigmatism. Now, we have contacts because Dr. LaHaurd notified us of the opportunity for people with this condition could now take advantage of this. Therefore, I am decades down the line with so much gratitude for the Eye Care Specialist team!! They are like my family!! You can trust them for a remarkable, well cared for, up to date on everything experience!!!! Thank you! Sincerely, Lee Turner
- Jun. 06, 2025
Staff was awesome, the person who help me choose my glasses was ,awesome helpful can't describe it ... 100%
- May. 31, 2025
Super helpful and friendly staff, if you have Medicaid especially I’d recommend this place every t... ime!!
- May. 21, 2025
My glasses lost a screw and the store where I got them is not convenient. I stopped in here and no ... questions asked they jumped on it to help.
- May. 13, 2025
was helped by optician Michael Eaves, and they were amazing! super knowledgeable and can tell they c... are about helping people. was able to get everything I needed taken care of!! super great experience!!
- Apr. 29, 2025
Michael Eaves was very helpful and informative on how to keep my glasses in great condition. I reall... y appreciate all the effort he put into helping me and making sure i was satisfied with the glasses I picked. Great employee!!
- Apr. 20, 2025
Great service! And great return policy if you're not happy with your frame selection.
- Apr. 09, 2025
The staff and optometrist are incredibly friendly, the appointment was quick, and my insurance was p... rocessed smoothly. I highly recommend this spot!
- Apr. 07, 2025
Very attentive staff genuinely focused on finding best value & cost solution for you
- Apr. 05, 2025
Want to give Jason and Micheal the most high points for one being the top at customer service custom... er satisfaction and just awesome eye appointment overall five stars service.
- Mar. 30, 2025
Fast, friendly customer service.
- Mar. 29, 2025
Very litty titty would definitely scom von diddily again.
- Mar. 28, 2025
Michael had very good customer service for me and my mother was wonderful thank you in I recommend t... his. Eye doctor to everyone
- Mar. 15, 2025
Very friendly also professionally inclined team, great store.
- Mar. 13, 2025
I had an excellent experience getting my new eyeglasses! Michael did an awesome job helping me pick ... out the perfect pair. He was patient, knowledgeable, and made the whole process so easy. I’m really happy with my new glasses. Thank you, Michael, for your great service!
- Mar. 12, 2025
Many thanks to Michael E. for being great to work with! He was helpful, informative, efficient and ... kind. I highly recommend this business, this location and Michael E.

View All 627 Reviews

Myopia Management in East

Our optometry practice in East

Photograph of Tracy  Wells
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross

woman with contact in mirror

EyeCare Specialties of Colorado - Colorado Boulevard: 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 EyeCare Specialties of Colorado - Colorado Boulevard to schedule an eye exam, and let us guide you through high myopia and its potential impact on your eye health.

(303) 757-6747