Can myopia be reversed?
Consultant Ophthalmologist,
Karthik Netralaya, Bangalore
Q: My twin daughters are three years old. One of them has high myopia (-8) power in both eyes. Is it pathological myopia? How much can it progress and is there a way to stop its progression? Will she become completely blind? Are there any treatments which can make my daughter's eyes better? We are taking her for regular retina check-up. What other problems (retinal or cornea) she might develop due to myopia?
A:Myopia present at birth, generally don’t change much till the age of 10 years. After that it may increase. As Myopia is determined genetically, we have no control on its growth. However, after the age of 18 years, it can be corrected with Lasik or ICL. ICL can also be implanted before that, but not at this age. Retinal problems are known to occur more frequently in high myopes, but not in every one. Annual retinal examination and check ups for Glaucoma is essential.