Recent trends in the management of maculopathy secondary to pathological myopia

Abstract

Background: Pathological myopia is a frequent cause of secondary visual disturbance in young individuals worldwide. Myopic maculopathy describes a spectrum of clinical changes that comprise the main cause of visual loss among highly myopic individuals. Our aim is to describe current trends in the medical and surgical management of maculopathy secondary to pathological myopia.

Methods: The epidemiology, natural history, medical and surgical treatment modalities for choroidal neovascular membrane (CNV) and vitreomacular disorders secondary to pathological myopia (PM) are reviewed and evaluated.

Results: The medical and surgical treatment modalities in the management of myopic maculopathy have evolved over time. Laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy with verteporfin and other medical treatments have been superseded by the use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor in the management of CNV secondary to PM. Surgical treatments are beneficial in the treatment of vitreomacular interface disorders such as macular hole retinal detachment and macular traction; however, primary success rates remain lower than those for non-myopic individuals.

Conclusions: This updated clinical perspective demonstrates that CNV and vitreomacular disorders in pathological myopia are treatable conditions. There are numerous medical and surgical interventions that have significantly improved the outcome of myopic maculopathy and several others currently under investigation. Nonetheless, as technology advances, further well-designed studies are necessary to establish a uniform evidence-based approach for classification and treatment.