High myopic patients: A survey of their history, feelings, beliefs and needs

High myopia (HM), which affects 0.9 to 3.1% of the population, is a major cause of vision loss. The purpose of this investigation was to study and evaluate the impact of their high myopia on the daily lives of patients and to better understand their expectations in order to better meet their needs. The survey was conducted between February 19 and March 21, 2014. To be eligible, patients had to have myopia of at least -8 diopters and be over 40 years of age, with or without myopic complications. Patients' degree of myopia was defined as the optical prescription of their worse eye. The 123 patients included were interviewed by phone using a questionnaire developed and validated by a scientific committee composed of experts and members of the patients' Association against myopic maculopathy (AMAM). The phone interview, semi-structured, lasted 20 minutes. On average, myopia was -11.7 diopters. Women accounted for 71% of the population, 89% of patients were under 65 years and were mostly professionals (65%). Over half of the subjects reported myopic complications; 5% of patients had choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Only 29% had been informed of the risk of CNV or maculopathy. HM was a handicap in sports for 64% of patients, in leisure activities for 51%, and in professional activities for more than a quarter (28%). Only 56% of HM patients reported living perfectly well with their condition. This survey is the first study on the daily life of people with HM aiming to analyze their social and emotional environment. It shows that HM has a profound impact on the daily lives of patients and may affect social life and professional activity. Most myopic patients possess incomplete or unclear information about the nature and risk of myopic complications. They expressed the desire to be better informed about their condition earlier, before the onset of complications.