Pathologic Myopia: What It Is and How We Co-Manage Care

At OC Optometry Group, we know that protecting your vision requires both precise diagnosis and a proactive care plan. One condition where this is especially vital is pathologic myopia, a severe, progressive form of nearsightedness that can seriously impact long-term eye health.

What Is Pathologic Myopia?

While regular myopia simply makes distant objects appear blurry, pathologic myopia involves structural changes inside the eye. Excessive elongation stretches and thins the retina and other tissues, increasing the risk of:

• Retinal tears or detachment

• Myopic macular degeneration

• Glaucoma

• Early-onset cataracts

High myopia is often defined as stronger than –6.00 diopters, but pathologic myopia is diagnosed based on these degenerative changes, not prescription strength alone.

The Importance of Early Detection

Damage from pathologic myopia is often permanent, but early detection allows for intervention to slow progression and reduce complications. Comprehensive eye exams, including dilated retinal evaluations and optical coherence tomography (OCT), are essential for at-risk patients.

Our Co-Management Approach

Because pathologic myopia can affect multiple structures in the eye, care often involves several specialists. At OC Optometry Group, we coordinate with ophthalmologists, retinal specialists, and glaucoma experts to provide complete care. This includes:

• Specialist referrals for retinal or macular issues.

• Collaborative glaucoma management if needed.

• Post-treatment follow-up to track stability.

• Lifestyle counseling to support visual comfort and safety.

This collaborative approach ensures that all providers share updates, minimizing delays and optimizing your care.

Your Role in Protecting Vision

If you have pathologic myopia, report any sudden flashes, floaters, or vision changes right away—these can signal urgent issues. Even if your vision seems stable, routine exams are critical, as damage may progress without symptoms.

A Partnership for Lifelong Vision

Pathologic myopia is a lifelong condition, but with careful monitoring and coordinated care, it’s possible to preserve your sight and maintain your quality of life. At OC Optometry Group, we work alongside you and your entire care team to keep your vision in focus for years to come.