Myopia increasing prescription with age?

I read another post that myopia (nearsightedness) usually stays about the same as people hit their 20's. Mine has been about -6/-7 for the past 5 years. However, I still fear that it will get worse as I age (40's, 50's, etc). For people who have had myopia, especially severe myopia, for a long time, have you had any problems as you aged? Has your vision gotten worse when you hit your 40's, 50's, etc?

at 19, my prescription was -6.25, at 20 it was -6.75, and at 21 it was -7.25. Is this normal progression? When will it stop???

Hello there! I found some info on degenerative myopia :)

"In many cases, myopia will stabilize when the growth process has been completed, and glasses can offer normal vision. Higher levels of myopia, however, tend to be hereditary, meaning that if there is a moderately or highly nearsighted parent, the odds are higher for one of the children to be myopic.

Myopia that develops in childhood is often called juvenile onset myopia, which almost always increases in severity with the progression into adulthood.

In the more severe chronic cases ("degenerative" or "pathological" myopia), there is the possibility of sight loss. The deformation of the eye creates stress on the retina, which can become damaged or detached, and this can then provoke additional changes. This is especially true in degenerative myopia, which can lead to macula problems (not to be confused with age-related macular degeneration)."

Degenerative myopia is the seventh leading cause of legal blindness, occurring in about 2% of the U.S. population. It is most often seen in people of Chinese, Japanese, Middle Eastern and Jewish descent. This condition can start at birth, but most often starts during the pre-teen years. It is believed to be hereditary.

Degenerative myopia is more severe than other forms of myopia and is associated with retina changes, potentially causing severe vision loss. It progresses rapidly, and visual outcome depends largely on the extent of fundus and lenticular changes. The diagnosis of degenerative myopia is accompanied by characteristic chorioretinal degenerations. Pathologic myopes, particularly those with higher refractive errors, are at risk for retinal detachment and macular changes."
If you are in the least bit concerned of this happening continue routine check ups with your eye doctor. It is very important you do so... if there is a problem they may be able to intervene before its too late
On that note... don't worry yourself.... its not very likely to happen to you.... stay informed and stay well :)
Good luck to you :)

Mmm.. why fear?

This is what I have seen: as you get into your 40's, then you start developing presbyopia which is the innability to read at your usual and customary distance at which point you will need reading glasses (or bifocals, yes, no lines is acceptable!). What I have also seen is that once you reach that stage sometimes your myopia decreases and your distance rx sometimes becomes less. I don't know how old you are but I am here to tell you that presbyopia is a normal state of your eyes (happens as the lens of the eye become more rigid and less flexible).

Don't fear.

Blessings,

it oftens worsens with age, but can improve. your doctor will be able to give you the best prognosis for you.

Mine stayed at -5.50 and -4.50 for 10 years. Then it started getting a little bit worse again. It is mostly hereditary and usually levels off when you stop growing. Some men can still be technically growing until they are 21 or so. Some women can too, and if you are a girl and have any hormonal meds (BCP's) or get pregnant, it can make your eyes change too. I am 43 and a woman, I have had my myopia worsen a bit the last two years, and also I hit the presbiopia stage and need bifocals and reading glasses. My contacts are a variable focus lense that I can see distance and near in. LORI O^O

Humans are like cars. Something gives out as you age. Thanks heaven that we have glasses and contacts. Enjoy life!

Myopia does tend to stabilize in adulthood, but can continue to progress in certain cases. People who use computers a great portion of the day can experience an increase, blood sugar levels can affect it, the onset of cataracts (which can begin in mid-life but not ripen to maturity until your 70s or 80s) can increase myopia. Your best defense is to have your eyes examined annually or sooner should problems arise.

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Bye