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An ocular staphyloma is an outpouching of the wall of the eye where the sclera becomes thin and bulges outward. The bulge can occur in the front of the eye (anterior) or the back (posterior). Posterior staphyloma is strongly linked with pathologic high myopia and can contribute to macular changes over time. Treatment focuses on monitoring and managing complications rather than reversing the bulge itself.
read more about staphyloma ocular ...High myopia can stretch and thin the sclera, which can lead to posterior staphyloma as the eye elongates. Some people have structurally thinner sclera, which can make bulging more likely with long-term stretching. Infections, inflammation, or trauma can weaken the sclera and lead to an acquired staphyloma, more often in the front of the eye. Severe corneal disease with thinning can also contribute to anterior staphyloma patterns in advanced cases. Cause and location matter because each pattern carries different risks and follow-up needs.
Many posterior staphylomas do not cause symptoms on their own, but vision can worsen from related myopic macular problems. Blurred central vision, distortion, or a new dark spot can occur when the macula develops atrophy or abnormal vessel growth. People with staphyloma often have high myopia and can notice reduced best-corrected vision even with updated prescriptions. Floaters and flashes are more common in highly myopic eyes and can signal vitreous changes that deserve attention. Anterior staphyloma can be visible as a bulge and can be paired with irritation, pain, or surface problems when the front of the eye is affected.
A dilated eye exam can reveal a posterior bulge and associated retinal stretching and macular changes. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can show the contour of the posterior pole and detect macular complications such as traction or neovascularization. Ultrasound (B-scan) can outline globe shape when the view is limited or when deeper contour details are needed. Axial length measurement helps quantify high myopia and supports long-term risk assessment. Imaging is often repeated to track progression and to spot complications early.
There is no direct treatment that restores normal scleral thickness, so care focuses on vision correction and complication control. Glasses or contact lenses can correct refractive error, though macular damage can limit final clarity. Anti-VEGF injections are often used when myopic choroidal neovascularization develops near the macula. Regular monitoring helps detect retinal tears, detachment, or myopic traction changes early so treatment can start quickly. Surgical options such as scleral reinforcement or complex repairs are reserved for select cases and depend on staphyloma type and associated disease.
Yes, posterior staphyloma is often described as a hallmark of pathologic myopia. Not every person with high myopia has a staphyloma, but the finding raises the chance of myopic macular complications.
Highly myopic eyes have a higher risk of retinal tears and detachment, and staphyloma can be part of that profile. Sudden flashes, many new floaters, or a curtain in vision needs urgent evaluation.
Corrective lenses can fix focusing problems from myopia or astigmatism. Vision can still be limited if the macula has atrophy, traction, or scarring that affects central vision.
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Utility of B-Scan Ultrasonography to Assess Posterior Staphylomas. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (ARVO). https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2353832. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.