There have been numerous indepth discussions on degenerative myopia on this forum. Use the search feature and type in degenerative or pathological myopia to pull up info. One possible promising drug is 5-methylxanthine that is being developed by Denmark researchers.
It is unfortunate, but degenerative myopia is a truly neglected area of research in the U.S. I suggest contacting advocacy groups for low vision and blindness (e.g, Lighthouse, Prevent Blindness in America, etc.) and urge them to fund research in myopia. We need to advocate for funding to get a better understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms of myopia so that treatments can be developed that are specific to the cause.
Good luck.
Dear Luke2798,
In a highly myopic individual, the retina is thinner due to the length of the eye. With removal of the natural lens barrier, traction on the retina may result in retinal detachments. There are many types of cataracts and their behavior is not uniform. Often, cataracts progress slowly but the progression may be related to the type of cataract and its location. For example, central cataracts often cause a reduction of vision sooner because they are located in the path of the pupil. I would recommend that Luke stay away from sports in which trauma to the eye may occur. We advise the use of sunglasses as well. These are excellent questions and I would definitely recommend that you discuss these with your eyeMD that knows your son’s eyes.
Dr. Feldman
Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California