Vision Therapy in Downtown Seattle

The Link Between High Myopia and Serious Eye Diseases

(206) 464-0472

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.


Meet our Myopia Management Specialist

Patient Reviews
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300 Reviews
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- Nov. 23, 2024
No wait. Friendly and knowledgable optician (din't catch his name unfortunately). Quick adjustments,... fixes for all my glasses.
- Nov. 21, 2024
I had a great experience at Broadway Vision where I had an eye exam with Dr. Hart. The location is ... easily accessible and the exam was thorough and professional. I left feeling confidant in knowing the status of my eyes.
- Oct. 29, 2024
I’ve brought my whole family here for eye exams for about 4 years. I have historically not liked g... oing to the eye doctor, and neither has my husband. But these folks are great! Dr. Ravuri really takes the time to explain everything thoroughly. I never feel like we are rushed. He asks all the right questions and does a thorough exam. I’m glad that they have retinal scanning so that we can look for any hidden issues and see the images while doctor Ravuri explains what we are looking at. The staff are great, too.
- Oct. 18, 2024
Peter was amazing helping me pick out new frames. Felt super comfortable trying on all the frames. H... e really made my experience. Thank you guys! Love the new glasses
- Aug. 30, 2024
I was in town and had a minor emergency and Broadway Vision went out of their way to help me out on ... short notice. I really appreciated how friendly everyone was, and they helped me out even though I don’t live here and am not a customer. Lovely storefront and staff. Thank you again for your help!
- Aug. 14, 2024
Had an eye exam and fitted for contacts. Great service, paid attention to the details and my optome... trist wanted me to have the perfect vision I need for my work.
- Aug. 04, 2024
I've been going here for years and I am always impressed with the level of care and great customer s... ervice!
- Jul. 23, 2024
I trust the doctors and the staff provide great service !!
- Jul. 16, 2024
(Translated by Google) Really friendly and quick replacement of broken rubber Located nearby Starbox... R* (Original) 정말 친절하고 신속하게 이탈된 rubber를 교체해줌 스타박스 R*근거리에 위치한
- Jul. 11, 2024
Ken and Dr. Ravuri were great! Very thorough and friendly! Been going here for years.
- Jul. 10, 2024
Professional staff and high quality service!
- Jun. 20, 2024
Fast friendly knowledgeable staff.
- Jun. 06, 2024
I have greatly appreciated the excellent care of Broadway Vision Source since I got my first ever gl... asses here eight years or so ago and being talked through the whole process by now retired professionals. However, I am disheartened to overhear that there is new ownership on the wind looking to get rid of the ability to have lenses made/managed in-house. Must new ownership always mean removing peoples incomes, skillsets, and tools from a very successful and respected business? For what, the sake of macro economic business efficiency at the cost of customer care, quality control, and delays? Would seriously hate to come back in a year and have to find a new one-stop optometrist because I’m dealing with new ownership milking a business for nickels at the cost of their employees day to day experience and My Experience as a patient. I’ll without my judgment until the day comes, but the worry remains. My thanks to the staff here, a business is just a name and a room without you.
- May. 30, 2024
Shared results in email and with PCP. Comprehensive and informative exam.
- May. 30, 2024
It was friendly and pretty quick to see the doctor.
- May. 16, 2024
I have been a patient of Dr. Matsunami for decades…he is an amazing healer! The staff at Broadway... Vision is top notch, friendly, and professional. You couldn’t ask for better eye care in the Seattle area.
- May. 02, 2024
Professional staff and very friendly and helpful as well. As a costumer I am very satisfied with the... ir service and will continue to visit them for years to come.
- Apr. 24, 2024
Perfect, on-time as always.
- Apr. 01, 2024
Everyone is so nice and helpful! Jason was a super big help getting thru the glasses process.
- Mar. 06, 2024
Great experience. I felt heard and had a thorough exam from very caring professionals. And I got a g... reat new pair of glasses!!!

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Myopia Management in Downtown Seattle

Our optometry practice in Downtown Seattle

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Hours
  • Monday 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • EyeMed
  • VSP
  • Regence
  • Premera Blue Cross
  • Cigna
  • First Choice Health
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • HMA
  • Regence Group Administrators
  • Meritain Health

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

(206) 464-0472