High myopia

[Dawn12004]

Due to searching the internet for ways to prevent the progression of myopia, I am now concerned.  I am a 33-year-old female with high (severe?) myopia.  I was told to get glasses at age 8 for mild myopia.  I have worn contacts since I was 11.  I know that my prescription increased, but I am not sure at what increments.  My prescription is now -9.00 and -9.25.  I also have some floaters and slight astigmatism.  My prescription increased -.5 diopters since my previous exam 2 years prior.  My optometrist says that my retina is healthy and my eyes will eventually stabilize.  No one in my family is near-sighted, my parents are in their 70s and I have 4 older siblings, so I do not understand how this can be hereditary.  My questions are: can this myopia stabilize; what are the odds I will have retinal detachment and/or go blind; and should I try to piece together my vision prescription history to see when the increases took place?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  

[dukey]

There is a complex pattern of inheritance with myopia so your family members do not neccessarily need to be nearsighted. Moreover, environment-gene interactions are likely a factor in myopic progression. A useless optometrist will always tell you you're myopia will stabilise. Most of the time, with that high Rx, it will not. Get under the care of a GOOD eye MD and preferably a retina surgeon who will look after you and your eyes. There are many complications that can arise but, as long as they are caught early, can be dealt with. Don't take chances with your eyes.  

Floaters are a way of life for myopes.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

There is no reliable way to prevent progression. Some recent studies suggests that children that play and exercise outdoors more than normal may somewhat reduce the progression.

JCH MD