Anatomic alterations and prevalence of high myopia

Abstract

The purpose of this review was to describe the characteristic anatomic alterations in the eye with high myopia and to identify the prevalence of this condition in different populations. High myopia is characterized by elongation of the eyeball. The elongation of the posterior pole causes complications in the sclera, choroid and retina, and threatens central vision, which is why it is an important cause of low vision and preventable blindness in the world. Asia is the continent with the highest prevalence of high myopia; therefore, race is considered an important factor. This review indicates that there are differences in the definition of high myopia between studies, as well as in the method used for refractive measurement and for pathological classification.