Based on the provided reference, there is no specific maximum negative eye power defined. The reference classifies levels of myopia (nearsightedness), which is measured in diopters (D), but does not state an upper limit for how negative the power can be.
Understanding Myopia and Diopters
Eye doctors measure refractive error, which indicates how far your vision deviates from being perfectly focused, in units called diopters (D). A negative diopter value signifies myopia, or nearsightedness, where distant objects appear blurry. The more negative the number, the stronger the lens correction needed and generally, the more severe the myopia.
Myopia Classifications According to the Reference
The provided reference categorizes myopia based on diopter values:
- Mild Myopia: Anything up to -1.5 D.
- Severe Myopia: A refractive error from -1.5 D to -6.0 D.
- High Myopia: Defined as anything above -6.0 D.
- Pathological Myopia: Considered when your myopia is above -8.0 D.
| Myopia Classification | Diopter Range (According to Reference) |
|---|---|
| Mild | Up to -1.5 D |
| Severe | -1.5 D to -6.0 D |
| High | Above -6.0 D |
| Pathological | Above -8.0 D |
Why No Maximum Value is Stated in the Reference
As noted in the classifications, high myopia is described as "above -6.0 D" and pathological myopia as "above -8.0 D". The phrase "above" in this context means more negative than the stated number (e.g., -7.0 D, -10.0 D, -15.0 D, etc.).
Because the reference uses terms like "above -6.0 D" and "above -8.0 D", it indicates that the negative eye power can extend to values increasingly greater than -8.0 D. Therefore, the reference does not provide a specific maximum negative eye power value. It only defines thresholds for classifying increasingly severe degrees of myopia.
