Severe Myopia

[Anthonyws]

My Son was a 24 week preemie a year ago today and is doing amazing.  Our only concern are his eyes.  He did have stage 3 ROP Plus and received the Avastin injections, which worked amazingly.  We have been following up with a ophthalmologist specializing in pediatrics as well as a retina specialist ( the one who performed the avastin). We always knew that he would need glasses and would probably be nearsighted but were upset when 2 months ago ( he was about 6 months corrected) our Dr. said he had Myopia at a -4.50 in both eyes and needed glasses.  My son did fine with wearing glasses and they didn't seem to bother him at all. Our follow up appointment would be for two months out.  We were at our follow up appointment last week and received some more upsetting news that his Myopia has gotten worse and is now at a -9.0 in both eyes with an astigmatism of +1.00.  We are very concerned for his eyes being so young (8 months corrected) and already having high myopia. We have updated his lenses and continue to follow up with his Dr.  I Know part of the reason for the major change is because he went through a growth spurt, but i also know he has a lot more growing to do, so how much worse will his eyes get? Is it true his eyes stop growing at the age of 2? I know there is not a lot of research out there, but i have done some research and i have heard of a child as young as two getting refractory surgery (Artiflex). Is that a possibility? If so where is the best place to go as well as the best Dr to see? We are willing to go any where if it means my son will get the best treatment. Any information will help.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

High myopia is common in ROP cases.  The eyes grow much past the age of two-probably around 8 to 10.  However,  highly myopic eyes can continue to elongate due to a posterior staphyloma.  I would not consider refractive surgery when the eyes are still changing.

Dr. O.

[margypops]

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