The concept of a definitive "last stage" of myopia is not clearly defined in medical literature. Myopia progression typically slows down and stabilizes in adulthood, but there isn't a universally recognized final stage classification. However, high myopia can lead to several complications.
Instead of thinking about a single "last stage," it's more accurate to consider myopia in terms of severity and potential complications. Here's a breakdown:
Myopia Severity
Myopia is generally categorized by the degree of refractive error, measured in diopters (D):
- Mild Myopia: -0.50D to -3.00D
- Moderate Myopia: -3.00D to -6.00D
- High Myopia: -6.00D or more
Progression and Stabilization
Myopia typically progresses during childhood and adolescence. While the referenced material indicates potential myopia progression to -4.00D or -4.50D with treatment started at different ages, it doesn't specify a "last stage". The goal of myopia control is to slow down this progression. Eventually, for most individuals, myopia stabilizes in their 20s or 30s. However, high myopia developed during these early years puts individuals at higher risk of complications.
Complications of High Myopia
High myopia, even if stabilized, increases the risk of several eye conditions, including:
- Myopic Macular Degeneration: Damage to the macula (central part of the retina).
- Retinal Detachment: Separation of the retina from the underlying tissue.
- Glaucoma: Damage to the optic nerve.
- Cataracts: Clouding of the lens.
While these conditions are not specifically stages of myopia itself, they are potential consequences that can arise from severe myopia. Therefore, managing and monitoring high myopia is crucial even after it stabilizes.
In summary, while there isn't a distinct "last stage" of myopia, the focus shifts to managing its severity and preventing potential complications associated with high myopia.
