Degenerative Myopia: A Case Series Report.

Background: Degenerative myopia is identified by excessive and progressive elongation of the globe in combination with refractive error of greater than -6.00D and an axial length greater than 26mm. Though it has long been debated whether school myopia is of solely genetic origin, influenced by environmental factors, or a mixture of the two, degenerative myopia is thought to be more genetic in cause. Case Study: This case series was conducted on a family of seven degenerative myopes, comparing clinical findings as well as A-scan and visual evoked potential (VEP) alternating pattern testing. Data was gathered from the most recent examinations to determine the most common degenerative myopic findings within the family unit. VEP alternating pattern testing was conducted with best-corrected spectacle lenses at time of testing. Only one subject was tested before and after being fit with contact lenses. Conclusion: Upon clinical comparison of the seven family members, genetic inheritance appeared to be the most obvious causative factor of myopia progression in this family. Though it is still debated whether environmental factors take part in the early phases of degenerative myopia, heredity has been found to be the dominant predicting factor for the extent of the myopic changes. Further testing through a larger scale study is warranted to determine whether contact lens wear improves VEP amplitude and latency recording when compared to spectacle wear in degenerative myopia patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]