Peripheral retinal changes in highly myopic young Asian eyes

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Imaging
• Myopia Research

Background:

• Peripheral retinal changes are common findings in myopic eyes.
• High myopia is associated with an increased risk of retinal complications.
• Understanding these changes in young adults is crucial for early detection and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and types of peripheral retinal changes in young Asian adult males.
• To examine the relationship between axial length and these retinal findings.
• To compare the occurrence of these changes between high myopes and emmetropes.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 593 high myopes and 156 emmetropes (aged 19-25 years).
• Ocular investigations included dilated retinal photography and binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy.
• Peripheral retinal changes were correlated with axial length and compared between groups.

Main Results:

• White without pressure (46.5%) and lattice degeneration (14.6%) were the most prevalent peripheral retinal changes.
• These changes were significantly more common in high myopes compared to emmetropes.
• Increasing axial length was associated with lattice degeneration and retinal holes in high myopes.

Conclusions:

• White without pressure and lattice degeneration are frequent peripheral retinal findings in young Asian men with high myopia.
• A significant proportion of high myopes with lattice degeneration had multiple affected areas.
• Axial length is a risk factor for lattice degeneration and retinal holes, suggesting a need for monitoring.