High myopia is commonly defined as a refractive error of at least -6 dioptres and/or an axial length of greater than 26.5mm. The term pathological myopia, interchangeably used with myopic maculopathy or degenerative myopia, describes high axial myopia and is associated with degenerative changes in the retina. It is thought to affect 3% of the global population1. Ethnic origin seems to influence the likelihood of developing pathological myopia. The prevalence is higher in Asian populations and lower in African and Pacific island groups2.
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