MRI-defined eye shape predicts long-term outcomes in high myopia

Three-dimensional eye shape may help predict long-term outcomes in high myopia, according to a 15-year cohort study.

Researchers found that nasally distorted and conical eye shapes were associated with faster axial elongation and higher risks of macular and visual complications.

The study analyzed 152 eyes from 95 patients with high myopia using MRI-based eye shape classification. Nasally distorted eyes showed the fastest axial elongation, while deformed eye shapes overall were linked to a 7-fold greater risk of macular choroidal thinning.

Nasally distorted and conical eyes also had the highest risks for progression of myopic macular degeneration and visual field defects.

Reference
Xiong R, Tan S, Li Y, et al. Pathologic Myopia Globe Shape and Long-Term Prognosis. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2026;doi: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2026.1561. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42207540.