Early Retinal Disease Screening for High Myopia Patients from Tripoli and Benghazi

The Importance of Early Screening for Retinal Diseases in High Myopia Patients from Tripoli and Benghazi

High myopia, or severe nearsightedness, is a condition that transcends the mere need for stronger prescription glasses. It is characterized by structural changes in the eyeball, significantly increasing the risk of a range of serious retinal diseases. For patients coming from cities such as Tripoli and Benghazi in Libya, who may travel to Cairo for treatment or consultation, understanding these risks and taking proactive preventive steps becomes critically important.

At Al-Mashreq Eye Center in Cairo, we recognize the unique challenges faced by our international patients. From this perspective, Dr. Mahmoud Hassan, a specialist surgeon in vitreoretinal medicine and surgery and a key contributor to the center, offers specialized screening programs specifically designed to meet the needs of these patients. This article aims to highlight the importance of early screening for retinal diseases in high myopia patients, with a focus on those coming from Libya.

What is High Myopia and Why Does it Pose a Risk to the Retina?

High myopia is a condition where the degree of nearsightedness is measured at -6 diopters or more, or when the eyeball length is greater than 26 mm. In these cases, the eyeball stretches excessively, leading to thinning of the retinal tissues, especially in the peripheral areas. This stretching and thinning make the retina more susceptible to tears or detachment, in addition to increasing the risk of myopic macular degeneration and other pathologies.

Perhaps the most distinctive characteristic of high myopia is its strong association with an increased likelihood of severe retinal complications. These complications may not show symptoms early, making regular screening essential for early detection before they worsen and permanently affect vision. These complications include:

• Retinal Tears: Occur when the retina stretches and becomes very thin, leading to a tear.
• Retinal Detachment: An emergency condition where the retina separates from its supporting layers, threatening vision loss if not treated promptly.
• Myopic Macular Degeneration: Damage to the macula, responsible for sharp central vision.
• Retinal Hemorrhage: May occur due to abnormal blood vessel growth or retinal traction.
• Floaters and Flashes: These symptoms may be a sign of vitreous changes or changes in the retina itself, requiring immediate evaluation in high myopia patients. provides a precise and comprehensive assessment of the retinal condition, using the latest diagnostic technologies. This assessment aims to identify any early signs of retinal diseases, even before obvious symptoms appear, allowing for timely therapeutic intervention.

  Advanced Screening Technologies at Al-Mashreq Eye Center

  To ensure the highest levels of accuracy in diagnosis, Al-Mashreq Eye Center relies on a range of advanced technologies for retinal examination. These technologies include:

  • Fundus Examination: The basic examination that allows the doctor to view the retina and vitreous.
  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina, helping to detect edema (fluid accumulation) or subtle structural changes in the macula.
  • Fundus Photography: Captures high-resolution images of the retina, making it easier to compare the condition with previous examinations and document changes.
  • Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA): Uses a special dye to image blood vessels in the retina, very useful for detecting abnormal blood vessel growth or leakage in conditions such as diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration. .
  • Wide-Field Retinal Imaging: This type of imaging allows for a wider view of the peripheral retina, which is crucial for detecting changes in peripheral areas that may not be seen with traditional examination. in Egypt for 2026 is an average of 50,000 EGP. These prices are approximate and depend on the individual case.

  Dr. Mahmoud Hassan's team is dedicated to providing all necessary facilities for patients traveling from abroad, including assistance with appointment coordination and accommodation, to ensure a comfortable and effective treatment experience.

  Additional Tips for Patients with High Myopia

  In addition to regular check-ups, patients with high myopia are advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle and avoid factors that may increase the risk of retinal problems:

  • Avoid heavy lifting or activities that place significant strain on the eye.