Evaluation of Fundus Changes in High Myopia and their Correlation with the Axial Length of the Globe

Myopia is prevalent in 15 %-33 % of general population. The varying degrees of human disability and suffering caused by myopia exact a very real economic cost not only in terms of support required by the blind and visually handicapped, but also in the cost of optical corrections and other medical or surgicalcorrections. To evaluate the fundus changes in high myopia in correlation with the axial length of globe. Methods: 100 eyes of the 50 patients with myopia more than -6D attending the out patient department of Ophthalmology at santhiram medical college and general hospital, nandyal. Keratometry was done to measure corneal curvature using Bausch and Lomb keratometer. Ultrasound biometry was using contact probe Biomedix A-Scan with digital display to assess axial length in all subjects in both eyes. Results: There were 100 eyes examined in this manner. � 12 patients had unilateral high myopia. � 1 patient had unilateral functioning eye. � 38 patients had bilateral myopia. Interpretation and conclusion: 1. A steady rise from 75 % in the range of average axial length 26.5mm and was found more frequently with increasing axial length.3. Fuchs spots was seen in 13 eyes out of 39 eyes of axial length greater than26.5mm and was seen more frequently with higher axial lengths.4. Lacquer cracks was seen in 7 patients of axial length greater than28.5mm.5. Posterior Staphyloma was seen in 2 patients of axial length greater than25.5mm and was less common than Fuchs spots and Lacquer cracks in this study group.6. A steady rise from 33 % in the range of average axial length of 29.5mm to 100 % in all eyes of average axial length of greater than33.5m. A substantial proportion of asymptomatic highly myopic subjects in this community-based study were found to have peripheral retinal degenerative as well as posterior pole chorioretinal lesions. As previous studies in highly myopic eyes have demonstrated these degenerative lesions might be associated with serious vision threatening complications, highly myopic patients should be educated about the symptoms of retinal complications such as retinal detachment and choroidal neovascularisation, and advised to seek ophthalmic care promptly should such symptoms arise.