Lattice Degeneration is the thinning of the peripheral retina. When Lattice is present, the vulnerability of retinal tears, retinal breaks, and macular holes is increased. These can lead to retinal detachments, which results in loss of vision. Lattice can be found in only one eye but is often present in both. It typically is present on the outer border of the retina.
Symptoms
Lattice itself does not cause symptoms; therefore, the only way for it to be diagnosed is through a examination involving fundus photography. However, Lattice can lead to conditions that do cause symptoms. These include:
- Blurred vision
- Flashes
- Floaters
- Curtain obscuring peripheral field
Causes
Lattice degeneration occurs in 8-10%, yet the cause is not fully understood. There is no present correlation by race or gender, nor does it follow an inheritance pattern, yet it frequently groups within families. It is also found to be common in myopic patients (nearsightedness).
Treatment
Lattice Degeneration progresses at slow pace, so many with this condition do not experience retinal tears or detachments. There is no treatment required for Lattice unless the patient is symptomatic. In this case, Lattice is treated with a laser procedure.
