Myopic macular diseases: A review

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Myopia prevalence is rapidly increasing worldwide, posing a significant public health challenge.
• High myopia is linked to severe eye disorders and irreversible vision loss.
• Advancements in ophthalmic imaging are revealing complex macular complications in pathologic myopia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the spectrum of vision-threatening myopic macular diseases.
• To emphasize the importance of understanding the natural history of these conditions.
• To highlight the need for standardized classification and personalized treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent evidence on myopia and associated macular pathologies.
• Analysis of ophthalmic imaging findings in pathologic myopia.
• Discussion of current understanding of disease progression and management.

Main Results:

• Identification of key myopic macular diseases: myopic chorioretinal atrophy, myopic macular neovascularization, myopic traction maculopathy, and dome-shaped macula.
• Recognition of these conditions as major causes of visual impairment in highly myopic individuals.
• Emphasis on the role of advanced imaging in diagnosing and characterizing these diseases.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of the natural course of myopic macular diseases is essential for managing patients with pathologic myopia.
• Standardizing classification criteria will improve clinical surveillance and research.
• Personalized pharmaceutical and surgical interventions are key to optimizing treatment outcomes.