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

Dedicated preventive screening sessions for patients with high myopia to ensure peripheral retinal safety before traveling to and returning from Libya with Dr. Mahmoud Hassan.

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: