[Myopia and glaucoma]

Abstract

The question is whether there is an increased risk to develop glaucoma in co-existing myopia. The different kinds of glaucoma dealing with this problem are described. The highly myopic eye with increased axial length shows many structural changes. Especially the changes of the optic nerve head in a highly myopic eye make it very difficult to differentiate between a beginning glaucoma and a normal structure or to define a progression of glaucomatous changes. The visual field defects are often close to fixation and may reduce visual acuity and therefore the quality of life of these usually younger patients. An increase of the thickness of the lens induced by senile cataract, drugs or diabetes mellitus, a forward shift of the lens or the iris-lens-diaphragm will lead to refractive myopia and may provoke an angle closure glaucoma. Pigmentary glaucoma occurs in younger patients in connection with low or medium myopia and more rapidly destroys the optic nerve head due to higher intraocular pressure values in comparison to the primary open-angle glaucoma. After refractive surgeries of myopic eyes one has to expect different kinds of glaucoma (steroid induced, pupillary block, angle closure). Due to the increased risk to develop glaucoma patients especially with high myopia are advised to consult their ophthalmologist on a regular basis.