Most common complication of high myopia is:
**Core Concept**
High myopia is a refractive error characterized by excessive elongation of the eyeball, leading to significant visual impairment. The complications of high myopia are multifactorial, resulting from the structural changes in the eye.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The most common complication of high myopia is retinal detachment. This occurs due to the thinning and stretching of the retina, which can lead to tears and subsequent detachment. The pathophysiology involves the posterior staphyloma, a condition where the sclera is stretched and thinned, allowing the retina to protrude and increase the risk of retinal detachment. The vitreoretinal interface is compromised, and the retina is more susceptible to traction and tears.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Macular hole is a complication of high myopia, but it is less common than retinal detachment. Macular holes are typically caused by vitreous traction on the retina, leading to a localized retinal thinning.
**Option B:** Glaucoma is not a direct complication of high myopia, although it may coexist with myopia. Glaucoma involves increased intraocular pressure, which can be secondary to other conditions.
**Option C:** Cataract is not a specific complication of high myopia, although it may be more common in older adults with high myopia. Cataracts involve the opacification of the lens, which can be caused by various factors.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
High myopia is often associated with other ocular complications, including posterior staphyloma, choroidal neovascularization, and retinal schisis. A thorough understanding of these complications is essential for diagnosing and managing patients with high myopia.
**Correct Answer:** D. Retinal detachment.