A clinical analysis of 50 cases of pathological myopia.

INTRODUCTION: Eye is the most important sense organ of the human body. The primary responsibility of the visual function is carried out by retina. Pathological changes of retina can cause irreversible blindness. Myopia causes impaired visual acquity among school children as well as in adults. Retinal degeneration and retinal detachment is also commonly in myopic patients. AIM OF THE STUDY: To analyze the clinical features and biometric parameters in pathological myopia. To analyze the visual parameters in relation to posterior polar changes and disc changes. To study the incidence of retinal degenerations and detachment in pathological myopes. To analyze the association of other ocular association like lens changes, open angle glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, strabismus in cases of pathological myopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out at Retina clinic, Regional Institute of ophthalmology and Government ophthalmic hospital Chennai from December 2004 to September 2006 . This is a prospective study.Cases were registered, evaluated, treated and followed up during the study period. Inclusion criteria : a. Patients with a refractive error of > 6.00 D. b. Patients with normal corneal curvature. c. Patients with axial length of > 24 mm. Exclusion criteria : a. Patients with index myopia. b. Patients with abnormal corneal curvature.( curvature myopia were excluded). c. Low degrees of myopia and congenital myopia. d. Other ocular pathologies like micro ophthalmos, ROP, ectopia lentis were excluded. Study design : Myopic patients attending the RIO GOH - OPD between the period December 2004 to September 2006 were selected randomly – criteria applied. SUMMARY: 96 eyes of 50 patients with pathological myopia were analysed based on their axial length, corneal curvature and ocular fundal changes at the posterior pole and in the peripheral retina Highest incidence of pathological myopia was noted in the age group between 21 – 30 yrs. CONCLUSION: Degenerative changes are more commonly seen in higher degrees of myopia & so all cases of myopia must be examined meticulously with indirect ophthalmoscope which can pick up complications at the earliest & can be treated effectively. This can aid in retaining useful ocular function. Awareness need to be created among myopic population regarding visual hygiene, safety precautions, risks & complications involved.