High myopia, also called magna myopia, or pathological, does not only represent a marked visual defect, but a complex clinical condition. In fact, excessive elongation of the eyeball exposes delicate structures such as the retina, the macula and the vitreous body to significant risks, making constant ophthalmological checks essential.
In this scenario, although modern refractive surgery offers increasingly personalized solutions, laser is not always the most suitable choice. For patients with severe myopia, ICL intraocular lenses are today confirmed as the safest, most advanced and effective alternative.
The main risks of high myopia
In severe myopia, the eye presents structural alterations that can favor the onset of ocular complications. Overstretching the eyeball increases tension on the retina, which can cause peripheral degeneration, tears, or even retinal detachment in some patients.
Furthermore, people with high myopia are more predisposed to developing glaucoma, early cataracts and macular diseases. For this reason, periodic ophthalmological visits are essential, even when the gradation remains stable.
Refractive surgery: a safe and cutting-edge solution
In recent decades, refractive surgery has achieved unprecedented standards of precision and customization. Consolidated laser techniques, such as LASIK, FemtoLasik and PRK, intervene on the corneal curvature to correct visual defects, offering patients with moderate or low myopia an almost immediate functional recovery.
However, the approach to laser surgery is not universal. In the presence of high myopia, thin corneas or structural anomalies, ablation of the corneal tissue may be contraindicated, making it necessary to evaluate more conservative alternative solutions.
Icl lenses: the ideal alternative to high myopia
ICL lenses have revolutionized the treatment of high myopia. These are ultra-thin lenses that are implanted inside the eye without removing the natural crystalline lens.
Unlike the laser, this procedure does not intervene on the cornea, allowing very high gradations to be corrected while maintaining excellent visual quality and preserving the ocular structure.
Added to this is a further advantage: ICL lenses do not compromise the tear film, significantly reducing the risk of dry eyes. The surgery itself is quick, non-invasive and, if necessary, reversible.
For all these reasons, ICLs are today considered by many specialists to be one of the most valid solutions for patients with high myopia who are not suitable for laser surgery.
Ultimately, high myopia should not be considered just a problem of degree, as it can increase the risk of significant ocular complications. Fortunately, advances in refractive surgery and the development of techniques such as ICL lenses make it possible to offer increasingly safe, effective and personalized solutions to improve the visual quality of these patients.
