Abstract
Purpose :
Degenerative myopia is a unique subset of myopia affecting 3% of the global population and characterized by gradual eye elongation resulting in severe nearsightedness and heightened risk of structural changes in the posterior segment. Our study examines the increased occurrence of ocular complications in degenerative myopia compared to myopia.
Methods :
More than 1.2 million patients diagnosed with myopia or degenerative myopia were identified in the TriNetX database, an electronic health records database comprising de-identified patient data from over 50 systems. ICD-10 codes were used to categorize patients: those with Myopia only (ICD-10-CM H52.1 excluding H44.2) and those with degenerative myopia (ICD-10-CM H52.1 AND H44.2). Data included demographic details and the presence of complications in the following 5 years. Chi-square tests were computed to assess the prevalence of various complications resulting from myopia and degenerative myopia.
Results :
A total of 1,211,460 myopic patients and 25,440 patients with degenerative myopia were identified and the prevalence of complications over five years was assessed.Retinal detachments and breaks (ICD 10 H33.0) occurred in 2.085% of myopic patients, significantly lower than the 12.583% observed in degenerative myopia (p<0.0001). Degenerative myopia also exhibited a higher incidence of glaucoma (ICD 10 H40-H42) at 17.492% compared to 7.93% in myopic patients (p<0.0001). Age-related cataracts (ICD 10 H25.9) were more prevalent in degenerative myopia (19.344%) compared to myopia (12.218%) (p<0.0001), while dry eye syndrome (ICD 10 H04.129) was pronounced in degenerative myopia (14.701%) compared to myopia (9.135%) (p<0.0001). Myopic patients displayed a lower prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (ICD 10 H35.0) (0.988%) compared to degenerative myopia (4.387%) (p<0.0001). Notably, the rate of retinal neovascularization (ICD 10 H35.059) (3.217% in myopia vs. 8.86% in degenerative myopia) was significantly higher in the degenerative myopia group (ICD H40-H42) (p<0.0001).
Conclusions :
In summary, our analysis of 1.2 million patient records underscores the elevated risk profile associated with degenerative myopia, revealing significant differences in ocular complications compared to myopia.Tailored management strategies are crucial for addressing the distinct challenges presented by degenerative myopia and mitigating its impact on visual health.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.