Vision Therapy in Sylvan Grove

The Link Between High Myopia and Serious Eye Diseases

(913) 648-2021

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
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71 Reviews
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- Nov. 22, 2024
Great customer service experienced!
- Oct. 16, 2024
The staff is wonderful and Dr. Mary is my favorite for all things "EYES."
- Sep. 07, 2024
Dr. Mary is fantastic! She is smart and a great educator!
- Sep. 04, 2024
Dr. Mary is the best. She takes time to listen and thoroughly address every concern I have. She trea... ts my young kids with compassion and treats them as individuals. Front desk staff is friendly. The check in/out process was fast.
- Aug. 30, 2024
Dr Mary and her staff are wonderful! Check them out!
- Aug. 02, 2024
I've been going to Windmill Eye Associates for years and will continue doing so after a previous vis... it. The staff is very friendly, attentive and professional. I felt I learned something valuable based on the time the doctor took to explain in a way I could understand. 10 out of 10 experience!
- May. 02, 2024
Very friendly staff. The Dr. Is very knowledgeable and friendly.
- Apr. 30, 2024
Wonderful staff and the charismatic friendly Dr. Mary made this visit both informative, fun, and str... ess free. I have insurance but even their self pay rates are super budget friendly. Amazing place!!!!!!!
- Apr. 02, 2024
My kids eyes clinic favorite highly recommend!!👍
- Mar. 28, 2024
I love Windmill it's my favorite eye clinic, Dr.Mary is awesome and so sweet I love her, the staff i... s so nice and welcoming and the tech who btw is biligual she is so sweet and funny I love Windmill
- Mar. 25, 2024
Wonderful knowledgeable staff. Great place!
- Mar. 10, 2024
My experience with appointments at Windmill Eye Associates have always been positive.
- Feb. 01, 2024
My experience was that of a mother who arrived very worried, and I was lovingly attended to, welcome... d, an excellent and very human doctor, welcomed me as a doctor and as a mother. Rcommend absolutely.
- Nov. 21, 2023
Today is the first time I’ve seen Dr. Mary Hemphill and it was an absolute pleasure. She is the mo... st thorough optometrist I’ve ever seen. She’s professional, caring, and extremely personable. I’ll be back!! Follow-up! Just had my 2nd annual visit with Dr. Mary. I absolutely love her. So nice and extremely knowledgeable about Diabetes in eye care.
- Jul. 24, 2023
Dr. Hemphill is very helpful and informative during your eye exam. She helps you understand your eye... s better and is thorough in explaining what kind of eye care you need. Highly recommend.
- Sep. 19, 2022
Everything about this place is wonderful. It's a very clean establishment and the staff is all super... nice and friendly. Dr. Mary is the sweetest doctor I have ever met. She's very knowledgeable and explains everything. Great with kids as well. Highly recommend!!
- Sep. 23, 2021
My husband and I have been going here for years. Staff is wonderful. We have been treated by both ... eye Drs and both are wonderful!
- Jan. 29, 2021
Dr Mary was fantastic with all four of my children. She made everyone very comfortable and her exper... ience and expertise was very appreciated. Her staff was also very accommodating and helpful.
- Jul. 30, 2020
My family and I have gone here for years and we love it! Dr. Lozado is so sweet and explains everyth... ing thoroughly to us. He also speaks Spanish which is so helpful since my mom only understands Spanish. We have always been treated with respect and will never go to another place.
- Feb. 14, 2020
Best eye doctor I've ever....seen 😎

View All 71 Reviews

Myopia Management in Sylvan Grove

Our optometry practice in Sylvan Grove

Photograph of Mary  Hemphill
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • AARP
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  • Allways Health Partners
  • Ambetter
  • Avesis
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  • Cigna
  • Davis Vision
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  • Heritage Vision Plans
  • Humana
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  • KanCare
  • Medicaid
  • March Vision Care
  • Medicare Part B
  • Multiplan
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • Spectera
  • Tricare
  • TriWest
  • UMR
  • VBA
  • Vision Care Direct
  • VSP
  • WellCare

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

(913) 648-2021