Conditions
Lattice degeneration
Lattice degeneration may increase your risk of developing a retinal tear or detachment.
Although retinal detachment is rare, it is a serious condition that can result in permanent vision loss.
What is lattice degeneration?
Lattice degeneration causes your retina to become thinner over time and usually affects both eyes.
The retina is a layer of specialized nerve tissue at the back of your eye that enables you to see.
In some people, the far peripheral retina responsible for extreme side vision can degenerate and become weak and thin.
Lattice degeneration affects about 1 in 10 individuals, and in rare cases, it results in retinal holes, retinal detachment and eventual vision loss if left untreated.
What causes lattice degeneration?
The causes of lattice degeneration are still unknown.
While this eye condition isn’t hereditary, if there’s a history of it in your family, you may be more likely to develop it.
Lattice degeneration is also linked to certain conditions, such as
- Stickler syndrome
- Marfan syndrome
- Nearsightedness or myopia
Lattice degeneration symptoms
Lattice degeneration doesn’t present any symptoms.
However, the resulting eye conditions like retinal tears, holes, and detachment present the following signs:
- Floaters
- Flashing lights
- Shadows that block a part of your vision
- Blurry vision
- Changes in vision
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your Vision Pros ophthalmologist immediately to prevent permanent vision loss.
Lattice degeneration diagnosis
Your ophthalmologist will typically diagnose lattice degeneration during a routine eye examination.
During the exam, your doctor will administer special eye drops that dilate or widen your pupils.
This allows your doctor to have a better view of the back of your eye, where the retina is located.
Using a slit lamp, which is a tool equipped with a bright light and microscope, your doctor will then observe the inside of your eye to identify any damage, such as retinal holes, tears, or detachment.
Lattice degeneration treatment
In the absence of family or personal history of lattice degeneration, lattice can be observed given the low risk of detachment in most cases. However, there are circumstances in which prophylactic (preventative) treatment may be advised (for example, lattice lesions under traction or infiltrated with subretinal fluid).
Book an appointment with your ophthalmologist every year for a comprehensive eye exam to check the health of your eyes and retina.
Learn the signs of retinal tears and detachment, and contact your ophthalmologist if you notice any.
In rare cases, your ophthalmologist may recommend treatment with a laser or cryotherapy (freezing treatment) to strengthen the weakest part of the thinning retina and reduce the risk of retinal tear or detachment.
If you do experience a retinal tear or detachment, your eye specialist will use a laser or other surgical technique to reattach the retina in an attempt to prevent permanent vision loss.
Why choose Vision Pros to treat your lattice degeneration?
- Experienced ophthalmology team of specialists with expertise in all areas of ophthalmology, optometry, and general eye care.
- Rapid access and referral to world-class comprehensive screening and cutting-edge treatment in a state-of-the-art ophthalmology clinic.
- Holistic, personal, and patient-centric approach to every aspect of eye care.
Book an appointment for your comprehensive eye examination today
- https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/nei-human-gene-therapy-trial-retinoschisis-underway
- https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/retinal-detachment
- https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-lattice-degeneration
- https://www.asrs.org/patients/retinal-diseases/36/lattice-degeneration
- https://maculacenter.com/eye-disease/lattice-degeneration/
- https://www.rvscny.com/patient-eduction/conditions-we-treat/lattice-degeneration/