Vision Therapy in Evanston

The Link Between High Myopia and Serious Eye Diseases

(847) 859-6877

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
4.5
161 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Jan. 17, 2025
10/10 experience from start to finish. I had my initial exam, dilation, picked out glasses, and had ... a final exam all within an hour. Every person I interacted with was kind and very professional. I also get the feeling that they are happy to support the patient with whatever they’re looking for and they’re not pushing a sales quota or agenda. I came here because of the Google rating and it was definitely the right choice. The vibe of the space is friendly, open, with good music and a happy staff.
- Dec. 16, 2024
Evanston Eye Wellness is a friendly and thorough service. They take the time needed to assess your ... needs and provide timely deliveries. They also manage an intricate sliding scale for those of us whose finances are in the “more limited” category.
- Dec. 12, 2024
Evanston Eye Wellness provides exceptional customer service. The staff is friendly and Dr. Patel is ... very knowledgeable. She provides various options to help optimize eye wellness. I highly recommend!
- Nov. 22, 2024
I had an exceptional experience with Dr. Patel during my recent eye exam. From the moment I walked i... nto the office, I was impressed with the welcoming atmosphere and the professionalism of the entire team. Dr. Patel takes the time to explain every part of the examination process in detail and I felt very comfortable at the end of my visit. It was her holistic approach that really impressed me. She cares about the entire health of your body and not just your eyes. It was clear that she genuinely cares about her patients' well-being. I highly recommend Dr. Patel to anyone in need of a highly skilled, caring, and thorough optometrist.
- Oct. 07, 2024
Evanston Eye Wellness was great! Everyone is super friendly and seemed to genuinely care about my vi... sit.
- Oct. 03, 2024
Really nice place with a good upscale selection of frames. Dr Patel was excellent. Thorough and prof... essional. And Kisha really helped choosing frames and getting us the best price. So glad we chose this optician.
- Aug. 16, 2024
Staff were so kind and informative.
- Jul. 29, 2024
They prioritize taking care of your eyes before trying to sell you glasses. They have a reasonable s... election of eye wear but it is not the first thing that you see when you enter the establishment.
- Jul. 29, 2024
I really enjoyed being a patient of Dr. LaBrosse for the past few years. I wish her all the best in... her new endeavors! I am usually very anxious about trying new doctors. But I decided to try an appointment with Dr. Patel since at least the location would be familiar. I am very glad I did. She is practicing in the same beautiful and clean office. Dr. Patel was very detailed and patient with all my questions. She had studied my medical records left by Dr. LaBrosse so the transition as her new patient was quite seamless. (I did have to complete a new patient intake form. But that was fine.) I was very relieved that she was so kind and easy to talk to. I felt listened to and had as much time as I needed. Dr. Patel gave me knowledgeable answers and some great new ideas, including a different brand/type of contact lens to try. Thanks, Dr. Patel!
- May. 16, 2024
Dr. Patel and the staff were super friendly and helpful. Most importantly, they are competent. Han... dled all questions and issues well. I also appreciated that they don't try to upsell services, unlike my previous eye doctor, who was obsessed with telling me I needed this or that extra diagnostic or treatment. Most importantly, Dr. Patel was the first optometrist I had who advised me that I could get "medically necessary" contact lenses covered by my insurance due to my high prescription. I can't believe my previous optometrist didn't do this. I could have saved thousands of dollars over the past several years.
- Apr. 18, 2024
Shout out to this place and everyone who works here. The new doctor is amazing and the ladies at the... front office are super nice and helpful! Highly recommended!
- Apr. 18, 2024
I have been going to this neighborhood Optometry practice for over 4 years now and I have always lik... ed the service and product choices. I like the previous doctor a lot, and the newest doctor Patel is great as well. Everyone at the store is nice and helpful, and they all appear to enjoy working there. I highly recommend!
- Mar. 28, 2024
Evanston Eye Wellness is a vibe
- Mar. 25, 2024
Dr. Patel is amazing and answered all my questions thoroughly!! The staff was very helpful and they ... had a great selection of frames. Will definitely be coming back.
- Mar. 22, 2024
I had a great experience with Dr.Patel. She is kind, understanding and goes out of her way to answer... all my questions. I would highly recommend her and this practice.
- Mar. 20, 2024
They make a darn good first impression - every staff member I spoke with was welcoming and helpful, ... ensuring I understood everything in the paperwork before signing. Dr. Patel put me at ease right away and offered clear explanations of my results.
- Mar. 16, 2024
Came in with my wife to look around as we are new to the area and let me tell you! The energy I rece... ived was so welcoming. I found a handful of frames I love, and the manager, Jessica, sealed the deal. You have to go yourself to experience it. I would highly recommend this place.
- Mar. 16, 2024
I absolutely love the professional service and selection of eyewear. The staff create a fun and frie... ndly atmosphere. I was recommended by a friend and will be calling to schedule my annual exam
- Mar. 15, 2024
Dr Patel is amazing and the staff really took the time to explain my benefits. Crystal was very pati... ent in selecting frames. I will definitely be returning.
- Mar. 15, 2024
Dr Patel is so thoughtful and kind. She really cares about my eye issues and answers all my question... s- no matter how ridiculous they are. The staff is very helpful and friendly.

View All 161 Reviews

Myopia Management in Evanston

Our optometry practice in Evanston

Photograph of Himanee  Patel
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Tricare
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Care

woman with contact in mirror

Evanston Eye Wellness: 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 Evanston Eye Wellness to schedule an eye exam, and let us guide you through high myopia and its potential impact on your eye health.

(847) 859-6877