Myopia: a review of literature.
BACKGROUND
Among the refractive errors, myopia is a leading cause of visual impairment throughout the world and its prevalence is on the increase. Pathological myopia is a genetically determined refractive error and a growing body of evidence shows that visual experiences early in life may affect ocular growth and eventual refractive error. In addition to the human cost of visual debility, there is a profound economic cost to the society. The current review highlights recent advances in the management of myopia.


METHODS
Information was obtained by searching Medline for citations of articles in English using the Keyword "Myopia" in addition to current literature review.


RESULTS
Myopia can be classified into two groups, low to moderate degree of myopia (refered to as simple myopia-0.5 to -6.0 dioptres) and high or pathological myopia (greater than 6.0 dioptres). Simple myopia can be corrected with spectacles or contact lenses whereas high myopia may be complicated by potentially blinding conditions such as vitreous and macular degeneration and retinal detachment.


CONCLUSIONS
Recent advances in the management of myopia have made it possible to restore vision to a reasonable degree.
Maduka Okafor
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Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria. Okaformaduka@yahoo.com
Okoye
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Eze
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D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D009216:Myopia / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D011379:Prognosis