EARLY CATARACTS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH DEGREE MYOPIA: A BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Cataracts correspond to a visual dysfunction resulting from the opacification of the lens, tending to occur after the age of 50. If this pathology begins before this period, it is called early cataract and may be related to exposure to chemicals, solar radiation, or eye injuries. However, recent studies have raised the possibility of a correlation between the development of early cataracts and previous cases of high-grade myopia, which could justify its appearance in individuals under 50 years of age, due to intense ocular degeneration. Therefore, the present study aims to analyze the existence of a relationship between the emergence of early cataracts and previous high-grade myopia, presenting concepts about the pathophysiology of the aforementioned diseases and the importance of ophthalmological evaluation in myopic patients. For the development of the project, original articles published in English and Portuguese over the last 28 years were collected in the main bibliographic databases, such as SciELO and PubMed, to ensure greater reliability of the information presented. It was then realized that the relationship between high-grade myopia and early cataracts requires greater attention from health professionals, considering that the need to increase lens power for myopic correction can, consequently, aggravate the lens density with the age. Therefore, patients under 50 years of age and those with high-grade myopia are more likely to develop early cataracts. Prior diagnosis, made by the ophthalmologist, and appropriate treatment are essential to guarantee the patient's quality of life and minimize the risks inherent to the pathology, based on the assessment of the extent of the cataract, as well as defining clinical or surgical management. Furthermore, awareness and care for eye health are essential to prevent early cataracts associated with high-grade myopia, ensuring healthy vision for the patient.