Vision Therapy in Dunedin

The Link Between High Myopia and Serious Eye Diseases

(727) 734-8843

Are You at Risk?

High myopia, often referred to as severe nearsightedness, is a condition characterized by a high degree of myopia, resulting in significant difficulty seeing distant objects. While myopia can pose challenges, individuals with high myopia face an increased risk of developing severe eye diseases that can lead to vision loss. Understanding the connection between high myopia and these eye conditions is crucial for early detection and intervention.

woman rubbing eyes


man rubbing eyes

Defining High Myopia

High myopia is typically diagnosed when a person's prescription exceeds -6.00 diopters. It often occurs when the eyeball becomes elongated, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This structural change sets high myopia apart from mild to moderate myopia.


Serious Eye Diseases Associated with High Myopia

  • Retinal Detachment

    High myopia significantly raises the risk of retinal detachment, a condition where the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, detaches from its normal position. This separation can lead to vision loss and requires immediate medical attention.

  • Retinal Tears and Holes

    High myopia can lead to the development of retinal tears or holes, which may be precursors to retinal detachment. These issues must be addressed promptly to prevent further complications.

  • Glaucoma

    Individuals with high myopia may face a higher risk of developing glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and result in vision loss. Regular eye exams are crucial to monitor and manage this condition effectively.

  • Cataracts

    While not directly caused by high myopia, individuals with high myopia may experience an earlier onset of cataracts, which cloud the eye's natural lens and lead to decreased vision.

  • Myopic Macular Degeneration

    High myopia can contribute to the development of myopic macular degeneration, a condition affecting the central part of the retina (macula). This can lead to central vision loss, impacting one's ability to see fine details clearly.


Strategies to Reduce Your Risk of Serious Eye Conditions

While high myopia is associated with an increased risk of severe eye diseases, there are steps you can take to reduce this risk:

  • Get Regular Eye Exams

    Routine eye exams are essential for early detection and timely intervention. Your eye care professional can monitor the health of your eyes and address any emerging issues promptly.

  • Myopia Management

    If you or your child has high myopia, myopia management strategies, including orthokeratology (ortho-k) and low-dose atropine, can help slow the progression of myopia and reduce the associated risks.

  • A Healthy Lifestyle

    A balanced diet, regular outdoor time, proper exercise, and lifestyle choices that promote overall health can contribute to better eye health. This can reduce your long-term risk of severe eye conditions.

  • Protect Your Eyes

    If you engage in sports or activities that pose a risk to your eyes, consider protective eyewear to prevent injuries that could exacerbate eye issues.

Patient Reviews
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217 Reviews
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- Sep. 17, 2024
AccuVision provided timely, professional and efficient resolution of an acute eye issue. Saw me wit... hin one hour. I'm confident that they can resolve any eye issue that I might encounter in a timely manner.
- Aug. 26, 2024
I have been going to ACCU Vision Optical for two years now. Dr. Richard Marrotte is professional and... personable. He is excellent at educating his patients about the eyes and the care they need. I wouldn’t want to go to anyone else.
- Aug. 25, 2024
The staff was friendly and Dr.Tupps takes time to explain things and is very thorough
- Aug. 22, 2024
Eye exam by Dr. Marrotte felt like I'm in the best place for taking care of my vision
- Aug. 09, 2024
Everyone was friendly and professional! Eye exam was thorough and my new prescription is ideal. Glas... ses fit great and the progressive lens are easy to see through without tripping or falling.
- Jul. 24, 2024
The office staff and Dr. Marrotte are very friendly, attentive and professional. They measured and o... rdered progressive, gas permeable contact lenses for me and they fit perfectly. I highly recommend AccuVision Optical and Dr. Marrotte.
- Jul. 24, 2024
You will find the highest levels of professionalism, a welcoming staff and atmosphere, and phenomena... l subject matter expertise here.
- Jul. 13, 2024
Everyone from the receptionist to the doctor was capable, well informed and most helpful. I am extre... mely satisfied with the service and my eye glasses fit perfecty.
- Jul. 12, 2024
Great people, very knowledgeable and always friendly and professional
- Jul. 05, 2024
Very kind staff, and a very thorough exam. They let me take my time picking out glasses and were so ... helpful.
- Jun. 22, 2024
Great experience. Fast, friendly, and accurate.
- Jun. 14, 2024
Friendly staff and a knowledgeable and caring doctor.
- Jun. 08, 2024
The staff is great and find appointments for both my husband and I at the same time! Both Doctors ... are great and the optical staff are so helpful in selecting frames!
- Jun. 07, 2024
Great place to get great service and treated Like they really care about treating you well.
- Jun. 06, 2024
Great service! I felt comfortable and confident in their care
- May. 27, 2024
Very professional and friendly place! Dr Tupps is a great eye doctor!
- May. 24, 2024
I highly recommend the staff of AccuVision Optical and Dr. Richard Marrotte to you. I'm a new patien... t (4 months) with what I'd been told is a very complicated rigid gas permeable contact lens prescription. Eye doctor after eye doctor had not been able to figure out how to update a 14-yr old contacts lens prescription for any number of reasons. So I was referred to AccuVision Optical. Impressions: First, the staff there- to a person- is amazing, friendly, professional and efficient- and that alone makes for a great experience. Then... meeting Dr. Marrotte who assured me "it may take a few tries, but we can do this!" and he has. He is patient, communicative, explains what he's doing, what he's going to try- and why- and the end result is I have new set of RGP contact lenses. I truly cannot recommend the staff and Dr. Marrotte highly enough. They are good people and exceptional in their craft.
- May. 22, 2024
If you love your eyes, do them a favor, and go here. I have an extremely high vision prescription (a... round -8) and out of all the eye doctors I have been to in my life around the US, Dr. Marrotte is the best. He truly cares and he spends the time explaining the health status of your eyes. He answers your questions, he is extremely nice and personable and knowledgable. He is the third eye doctor I have visited for sclera lenses and he was the only one to have me wait in the office and have my second, third, fourth fitted lense samples checked after I had them in for 15 minutes. The previous doctors just had me pick them up from the office without seeing anyone until a week later. In addition, his office staff is amazing. Natasha and Helen spent at least an hour trying to get me the most money out of my insurance. They truly were invested in getting me the best coverage out of my policy. Jessica and Kristine were also super friendly and made me feel at home. I highly, highly, recommend them!!! This office really knows the true meaning of exceptional customer service.
- May. 21, 2024
Excellent services for vision care.
- May. 17, 2024
Super nice folks from the moment you step up to the counter. Tech Michael was very kind and thoroug... h as well as Dr. Merotte (sp?). The ladies at the counter were so sweet and Christine helped me get all the info in the Ipad. Great experience.

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Myopia Management in Dunedin

Our optometry practice in Dunedin

Photograph of Richard  Marrotte
Hours
  • Monday 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
    1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

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AccuVision Optical: Your First Line of Defence Against High Myopia

The link between high myopia and serious eye diseases underscores the importance of proactive eye care. If you have high myopia or a family history of the condition, regular eye exams and discussions with your eye care professional are vital to safeguard your vision and reduce the associated risks.

Contact AccuVision Optical to schedule an eye exam, and let us guide you through high myopia and its potential impact on your eye health.

(727) 734-8843