Overview
Singapore has one of the highest rates of short sightedness (myopia) in the world. For most people, myopia simply means needing glasses to see far away. But when short sightedness is very strong (called high myopia), it can raise the risk of serious problems at the back of the eye. This guide explains what myopia and high myopia are, and the retinal problems to be aware of.
Dr Bobby Cheng
Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist & Retina Specialist
With extensive fellowship training and decades of clinical experience, Dr Bobby Cheng specialises in complex retinal diseases, vitreoretinal surgery, and comprehensive eye care for high myopia at Cornerstone Eye & Retina Centre in Singapore.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia, or short sightedness, means you can see near objects clearly but far away things look blurry. It happens when the eyeball grows a little too long, or the front of the eye is too curved. Light then focuses just in front of the retina instead of on it, so distant objects look blurred.
Myopia is very common and usually starts in childhood. For most people it is easily corrected with glasses, contact lenses or laser vision correction.
What Is High Myopia?
High myopia is a strong degree of short sightedness. It is usually defined as needing a prescription of around -6.00 dioptres (600 degrees) or more. In high myopia the eyeball is much longer than normal.
This matters because a longer eyeball also means the retina, the light sensitive layer at the back of the eye, is stretched thinner. A thin, stretched retina is more fragile and more likely to develop problems over time. This is why people with high myopia need regular eye checks, even if their vision is well corrected with glasses.
Why High Myopia Raises the Risk to Your Retina
Think of the retina like a sheet of cling film lining the inside of the eye. In high myopia the eye is longer, so that sheet is stretched tighter and thinner. A thinner retina is weaker and more likely to develop tears, thin patches or other changes.
The higher your degree of myopia, the greater the risk. This is why high myopia is more than just a strong glasses prescription. It is an important reason to look after the health of the back of your eye.
Retinal Problems Linked to High Myopia
High myopia can raise the risk of several problems at the back of the eye.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Many retinal changes have no symptoms at first, which is why regular checks matter. But see an eye doctor quickly if you notice:
- A sudden burst of new floaters
- Flashes of light
- A dark shadow or curtain across your vision
- Blurred or distorted central vision, where straight lines look wavy
⚠️ A sudden shower of floaters, flashes or a shadow over your sight can be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment. This is an emergency. Seek care straight away.
Who Should Have Regular Retinal Checks?
If you have high myopia, regular checks of the back of the eye are wise, even when your vision is well corrected. You should be especially careful if you:
- Have a very strong prescription (around -6.00 or higher)
- Have a family history of retinal detachment
- Have had a retinal tear or detachment before
- Notice any new floaters, flashes or shadows
How the Retina Is Checked
A retinal check for someone with high myopia is simple and painless. It usually includes:
- A full eye exam — Including a check of your sight and eye pressure.
- Eye drops to widen the pupil — So the doctor can see the whole retina, right to the edges.
- An OCT scan — A gentle scan that takes detailed pictures of the retina and macula.
- Retinal photos — A clear record of the back of the eye to track any changes over time.
How Retinal Problems Are Treated
Treatment depends on the exact problem. Caught early, most can be managed well.
- Laser or freezing — Seals a retinal tear before it can lead to a detachment.
- Surgery — For a full retinal detachment, an operation is needed to put the retina back in place.
- Eye injections — For abnormal blood vessels at the macula, medicine placed into the eye can protect central sight.
Dr Bobby Cheng will advise the right treatment based on your scans and the type of problem found.
Looking After Your Eyes with High Myopia
You cannot reverse high myopia, but you can look after your eyes:
- Go for regular retinal checks, even if your glasses work well
- Learn the warning signs of a retinal tear or detachment
- Get sudden floaters, flashes or shadows checked at once
- Protect your eyes during high impact sports
For children, slowing the progression of myopia early on can help lower the risk of high myopia later in life. Ask about myopia control options if your child is short sighted.
Take the Next Step
High myopia is more than a strong glasses prescription. It is a reason to keep a closer eye on the health of your retina. Regular checks are the best way to catch problems early and protect your sight.
Protect Your Eyesight Today
👉 If you have high myopia, book a retinal check with Dr Bobby Cheng today, even if your vision feels fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does being short sighted mean I will have retinal problems?
Not necessarily. Mild to moderate myopia carries a low risk. The risk rises with high myopia, where the eye is longer and the retina is more stretched. Regular checks help catch any problems early.
What prescription counts as high myopia?
High myopia is usually a prescription of around -6.00 dioptres or more. The stronger the prescription, the more important regular retinal checks become.
Can high myopia lead to blindness?
It can, but this is uncommon with proper care. Most serious problems, such as retinal detachment, can be treated successfully if caught early. This is why regular checks and prompt care for new symptoms matter so much.
I see fine with my glasses. Do I still need retinal checks?
Yes. Good corrected vision does not mean the retina is healthy. Retinal thinning and tears can develop with no symptoms, so regular checks are important in high myopia.
Can myopia in children be slowed down?
Yes. There are myopia control options that can slow how fast a child's short sightedness gets worse. Slowing it early may lower the risk of high myopia and its complications later.