AIM:To evaluate changes in peripapillary atrophy(PPA)and retinal in young adults with high myopia(HM)for three years.

METHODS:A total of 22 HM patients(n=32 eyes, >-9 D), 35-45y, were enrolled in this self-controlled retrospective review. The following parameters were measured at baseline and 3-year follow-up visits: area of optic nerve head(ONH); area of peripapillary atrophy(PPA); area of peripapillary chorioretinal atrophy(PCA); type of PPA; average retinal thickness(ART); and total central retinal volume(TCRV).

RESULTS: There were no changes in the area of ONH(t=0.95, P=0.35)between baseline and 3-year follow-up visits. In contrast, the areas of PPA and PCA were significantly greater(0.69±0.71 and 0.57±0.97mm²,respectively)at the 3-year follow-up versus baseline(t=-3.99, P=0.001 and t=-2.33, P=0.03, respectively)visits. There were no changes in the type of the PPA. ART and TCRV did not differ significantly at the 3-year follow-up versus baseline visits(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION:Increased areas of PCA and PPA are the main fundus features of HM(>-9 D)in young adults. PPA and PCA should be important morphological parameters during follow-up for HM in clinic.