by Frank Chen (see his biography at the end of the article).
The prevalence of myopic macular degeneration is on the rise worldwide, and new research is providing greater insight into this complex condition. As our understanding of the condition continues to evolve rapidly, staying up-to-date on the latest developments is crucial — starting from the fundamentals.
Myopic macular degeneration is a debilitating eye condition that affects millions worldwide, leading to a gradual loss of central vision. Like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), myopic macular degeneration affects the central part of the retina, causing symptoms such as blurry vision, distorted vision, and loss of visual acuity.
However, myopic macular degeneration is primarily associated with high myopia and pathologic myopia, which affect people at a younger age than AMD. In this article, we will discuss the key terms and definitions related to myopic macular degeneration, its causes and prevalence, and the treatment options available to manage the condition.
Understanding the Key Terminology of Myopic Macular Degeneration
Myopic macular degeneration is an eye condition that is becoming better understood through ongoing research. As we learn more, terms and definitions evolve or are added to our understanding of this condition. Here are some important terms to know:
Myopia: This is a common refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry. It occurs when the eyeball is too long, or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it.
High myopia is a more severe form of myopia, usually defined as more than -6.00 D in diopters. It is often confused with pathologic myopia, which causes degenerative changes in the back of the eye.
Pathologic myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, leading to changes in the back of the eye. These changes can cause problems such as blurry vision, difficulty seeing in low light, and even vision loss.
Myopic Macular Degeneration (MMD) is also called myopic maculopathy (MM); it is one of the most common types of pathologic myopia. It occurs when the cells responsible for sharp, detailed vision in the eye start to die. And patients gradually lose central vision.
Myopic chorioretinal neovascularization (myopic CNV) is also referred to as myopic macular neovascularization (MNV) in many publications. It happens when abnormally new blood vessels grow under the macula. As blood and fluid leak into the macula, it damages the retina cells, which leads to vision loss.
Causes and Prevalence of Myopic Macular Degeneration
Myopic macular degeneration is a condition that affects the central part of the retina, known as the macula, and causes it to degenerate. This can result in symptoms such as blurry or distorted vision, dark or empty areas in the field of vision, and a gradual loss of visual acuity over time, similar to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The exact cause of myopic macular degeneration is unclear, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development. These factors include elongation of the eye, cracks in the retina, and protrusion or bulging of the back part of the eye (myopic conus).
As myopia is becoming increasingly common worldwide, studies found a rise in the prevalence of myopic macular degeneration. It was projected that by 2050, around 50% of the global population could have myopia.
Furthermore, the risk of developing pathologic myopia, which could lead to myopic macular degeneration, increased with higher degrees of myopia. Age was also a significant factor, as individuals with high myopia aged 40 or older had a higher risk of developing pathologic myopia.
Studies showed that pathologic myopia affected approximately 1-3% of Asians and 1% of Caucasians. Pathologic myopia was identified to be the leading cause of irreversible blindness in several Asian countries. While in Western countries, it ranked as the third leading cause of blindness. Both ethnicity and country of origin seemed to play a role.
Treatment for Myopic Chorioretinal Neovascularization (Myopic CNV)
Several treatment options are available that can help slow the progression of myopic chorioretinal neovascularization (myopic CNV) and improve vision. The primary treatment for myopic CNV is anti-VEGF therapy, which includes several different drugs like ranibizumab (Lucentis), aflibercept (Eylea), and conbercept (Lumitin). Although bevacizumab (Avastin) is not FDA-approved for myopic CNV, it may still be used as an off-label treatment due to cost.
In cases where anti-VEGF therapy is not suitable, verteporfin photodynamic therapy (vPDT) may be recommended. However, vPDT didn’t show significant improvement in visual acuity and could damage the retina cells, leading to a worsening of vision instead. Therefore, intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy is considered the standard-of-care treatment for myopic CNV. As with any treatment, there are benefits and risks. Therefore, it is important to discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider to find the most effective and appropriate treatment for your specific situation if you have myopic CNV.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, myopic macular degeneration is a serious eye condition that affects millions worldwide, leading to a gradual loss of their vision. While it shares similarities with age-related macular degeneration, myopic macular degeneration is primarily associated with high myopia and pathologic myopia, which affect people at a younger age. With the rise in myopia prevalence worldwide, understanding the latest development, starting from the fundamentals, is essential.
Fortunately, there are treatment options available for myopic chorioretinal neovascularization. And it is fueled by ongoing research and innovation, providing hope for a bright future for people living with this condition.
About the Author
Frank Chen is a highly experienced health educator and medical writer with almost two decades of experience in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree and an MBA, and is also certified in nutritional sciences and medical writing, bringing a broad range of knowledge to his work. Frank is deeply committed to enhancing patient health literacy and promoting better patient outcomes. His passion for helping patients understand their health conditions is evident in his exemplary education work for ocular conditions at clearsightcorner.com.
Frank has collaborated with top medical experts in ophthalmology, diabetes, and cardiovascular fields throughout the years. He has also played vital roles in developing and implementing patient communication or support projects that have had a profound positive impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients across multiple countries.
Article published Feb. 25th, 2023.
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