The highest recorded myopia power belongs to Jan Miskovic, measured at -108 Diopters.
Understanding Myopia Power
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry because the eye focuses the image in front of the retina instead of directly on it. The power of a corrective lens (glasses or contact lenses) needed to correct myopia is measured in Diopters (D). A higher negative number indicates a stronger prescription and more severe myopia.
- Mild Myopia: Typically ranges from -0.25 to -3.00 Diopters.
- Moderate Myopia: Generally falls between -3.25 to -6.00 Diopters.
- High Myopia: Usually defined as -6.00 Diopters or worse. People with high myopia have a significantly increased risk of certain eye conditions.
The World Record
According to the reference provided, the world record for the highest myopia power is held by Jan Miskovic from Slovakia. His myopic degree was astonishingly measured at -108 Diopters. This level of myopia is extremely rare and represents an extraordinary case of the condition.
Comparing Myopia Levels
To put the record into perspective, consider the typical range of myopia compared to this extreme case:
| Myopia Classification | Typical Diopter Range | World Record Holder (Jan Miskovic) |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | -0.25 to -3.00 D | |
| Moderate | -3.25 to -6.00 D | |
| High | -6.00 D and worse | |
| Highest Recorded | -108 Diopters |
This table clearly illustrates the vast difference between common levels of high myopia and the record-breaking -108 Diopters.
Living with Extreme Myopia
Individuals with extremely high myopia like Jan Miskovic face significant visual challenges even with the strongest available corrective lenses. Their eyes are often physically longer than average, which contributes to the high power needed for correction and can lead to various eye health issues, such as:
- Increased risk of retinal detachment.
- Glaucoma.
- Cataracts.
- Myopic maculopathy.
Managing such a high degree of myopia requires specialized care from eye professionals and often involves strategies beyond standard glasses or contact lenses, potentially including specialized rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses or surgical options, although correction to 20/20 vision may still be challenging or impossible.
