Lattice degeneration is a common eye condition affecting the peripheral retina, where the tissue becomes thinner and weaker. While many individuals have no significant issues, it does increase the risk for serious vision-threatening complications. It is often detected during routine eye examinations.
Understanding Lattice Degeneration
Lattice degeneration is characterized by distinct, often oval or linear, patches of thinned retinal tissue in the eye’s periphery. These areas can appear whitish with pigmentation and sometimes show a crosshatching pattern of hardened blood vessels, resembling a lattice. The condition commonly affects both eyes, with approximately half of those diagnosed in one eye also having it in the other. It is found in about 6% to 10% of the general population.
The Primary Concern: Retinal Detachment
The primary concern with lattice degeneration is an increased susceptibility to retinal tears and subsequent retinal detachment. The thinned areas of the retina are vulnerable to tearing, especially when the vitreous gel, which fills the eye, pulls on them. As people age, the vitreous naturally shrinks and pulls away from the retina. This pulling can create a tear or holes in the weakened lattice areas.
Once a tear forms, fluid from the vitreous can pass through the opening and accumulate behind the retina, causing a retinal detachment that can lead to significant vision loss if not addressed promptly. While lattice degeneration is a risk factor, most individuals with the condition do not develop a retinal detachment. The lifetime risk of retinal detachment for someone with lattice degeneration is relatively low, typically ranging from 0.5% to 2%. However, lattice degeneration is associated with approximately 30% of spontaneous retinal detachments that occur without prior surgery. Factors such as severe nearsightedness (myopia) and a family history of retinal detachment can further increase this risk.
Recognizing Warning Signs
Lattice degeneration typically causes no symptoms, so individuals are often unaware they have the condition until it is discovered during an eye exam. However, the development of a retinal tear or detachment presents noticeable warning signs that require immediate attention. These symptoms include the sudden appearance of new floaters (small specks, lines, or cobweb-like shapes drifting across the field of vision) and flashes of light, particularly in the peripheral vision.
A more advanced sign of retinal detachment is the perception of a dark curtain or shadow that progressively blocks a portion of the visual field. Blurry vision or a sudden decrease in overall vision can also indicate a serious issue. Recognizing these symptoms and seeking urgent medical evaluation from an ophthalmologist or retina specialist is important to preserve vision. Prompt intervention can often prevent irreversible vision loss.
Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
Lattice degeneration is typically diagnosed during a comprehensive dilated eye examination by an ophthalmologist. During this examination, special eye drops are used to widen the pupil, allowing the doctor to gain a clear view of the retina, especially its peripheral regions. The specialist uses instruments like a binocular indirect ophthalmoscope or a slit lamp with a viewing lens to inspect the retina for thinning or characteristic lattice lesions. Imaging tests are generally not necessary, though wide-angle photographs may be taken for monitoring.
For most individuals, lattice degeneration does not require active treatment; watchful waiting through regular monitoring is the standard approach. However, if complications like a retinal tear or early signs of detachment are present, or if certain high-risk factors exist, preventive treatment may be considered. This often involves laser photocoagulation or cryopexy to create a barrier around the weakened area, sealing it to the underlying tissue and reducing the risk of fluid leakage and detachment. If a retinal detachment occurs, surgical intervention is necessary to reattach the retina, with specific procedures depending on the severity and type of detachment.
Living with Lattice Degeneration
Individuals diagnosed with lattice degeneration should maintain a consistent schedule of follow-up eye examinations as recommended by their eye care professional. These regular check-ups, often yearly or every two years, allow for monitoring of the condition and prompt detection of any changes. It is important for individuals to be familiar with the warning signs of retinal tears or detachment, such as new floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow in their vision. Should any of these symptoms appear, immediate medical attention is necessary.
While lattice degeneration does not typically necessitate significant lifestyle changes, understanding personal risk factors, such as high myopia or a family history of retinal detachment, can inform discussions with eye care providers. With ongoing monitoring and a proactive approach to symptoms, the potential risks associated with lattice degeneration can be effectively managed, helping to preserve long-term vision.