TO STUDY POSTERIOR SEGMENT CHANGES IN HIGH MYOPIA PATIENTS ATTENDING TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Background: High myopia is a progressive refractive disorder associated with structural alterations in the posterior segment of the eye, often leading to vision-threatening complications. This study was conducted to assess the pattern and frequency of posterior segment changes and associated complications in patients with high myopia attending a tertiary care center. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, Index Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Indore, from July 2023 to June 2024. A total of 100 patients (200 eyes) with high myopia (refractive error > -6.00 D) were included. All patients underwent detailed ocular examination including BCVA assessment, refraction, slit-lamp evaluation, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination. OCT and B-scan ultrasonography were performed where necessary. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: The mean age was 25 ± 5 years, with 54% males. The mean refractive error was -9.0 ± 3.5 D; axial length >26 mm was seen in 68% of eyes. Posterior segment findings included tessellated fundus (49%), chorioretinal atrophy (22%), myopic maculopathy (18%), and posterior staphyloma (11%). Peripheral retinal changes such as lattice degeneration (42%) and WWOP (35%) were common. Vitreous changes, especially posterior vitreous detachment (36%), were frequent. Statistically significant associations were observed between increasing myopia severity and structural changes (p < 0.05). Complications included posterior subcapsular cataract (15%), glaucoma (10%), and retinal detachment (5%). Conclusion: High myopia is strongly associated with progressive posterior segment degeneration and serious ocular complications. Early detection, systematic monitoring, and tailored interventions are essential to prevent irreversible vision loss.