Myopia to Glaucoma: 3 Main Reasons

Transitioning from near-sightedness to a serious eye condition can be affected by different factors, but three main causes play a significant role in this progression:

1. Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP):Near-sightedness, or myopia, is identified by the elongation of the eyeball, resulting in structural alterations in the eye such as a thinner and weaker cornea. Having a thinner cornea could make it more susceptible to increased intraocular pressure (IOP), a major risk factor for glaucoma. As near-sightedness worsens, the lengthening of the eyeball may lead to pressure on the optic nerve and resulting harm, especially in those with severe near-sightedness. High intraocular pressure combined with structural alterations linked to near-sightedness can heighten the likelihood of developing glaucoma, particularly for those with a family history of the condition.

2. Changes in Optic Nerve Morphology: Individuals with nearsighted vision may notice alterations in the shape of the optic nerve, like a tilted or elongated optic disc, increasing the risk of developing glaucoma. The changes in structure linked to myopia may result in irregularities in the optic nerve head, increasing its vulnerability to harm from high IOP. These alterations in the structure of the optic nerve may play a role in the progression of glaucomatous optic nerve damage, a characteristic sign of glaucoma.

3. Choroidal Thinning and Vascular Changes: Myopia is linked to changes in the choroid, the vascular layer beneath the retina, such as choroidal thinning and alterations in blood flow. Thinning of the choroid and changes in ocular blood flow can impact the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the optic nerve head, making it more susceptible to damage from glaucoma. Changes in blood vessels linked to near-sightedness could play a role in blood flow irregularities and reduced oxygen supply, which are connected to the development of glaucoma. It's worth mentioning that having myopia can raise the chances of developing glaucoma, but not everyone with myopia will. Various elements, like genetic predisposition, age, ethnicity, and general eye wellness, contribute to the likelihood of developing glaucoma. It is important to have routine eye check-ups and catch any signs of glaucoma early, especially for those with near-sightedness.
   

Prevention is better than cure. You could prevent yourself from developing glaucoma by doing a proper eye examination with Eagle Opticals. To book your free consultation, kindly click on this link. You can also download your free information pack here