Myopia

• Myopes have larger eye balls and can develop retinal thinning and degeneration in the peripheral parts of the retina, these occur due to stretching of the globe.
• These degenerations are prone to progress and later may form holes or tears in the retina.
• These retinal holes or tears if not treated can lead to retinal detachment
• Which will cause sudden loss of vision and will require major surgery at the earliest, to prevent further loss of vision.
• Sometimes the central part of the retina (macula) may be affected by macular degeneration or choraidalneovascular membrane.

Retinal tear / hole

• If the tear has not caused a retinal detachment(RD) then a laser is done surrounding the hole / tear to seal it.
• This reduces the risk of RD.
• However you need to regularly follow up with a retina specialist as new holes / tears can still form.

Late stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

• As a result of reduced blood supply to the eye because of diabetes the eye will start forming its own new blood vessels Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR).
• which are fragile hence they can rupture and bleed any time which lead to sudden drop in vision.
• Sometimes in more severe forms traction on retina can develop that can lead to retinal detachment.
• This requires treatment in the form of laser to the eye or surgery or both.