Lattice degeneration is a condition that affects the outer retina, often going unnoticed but requiring regular checkups with our retina specialists. Protect your vision and stay informed about this condition with the help of our experienced team.
This page provides an in‐depth look at lattice degeneration, covering its definition, development, clinical features, diagnosis, risk factors, complications, treatment strategies, and the importance of regular retinal examinations by our retina specialists.
Lattice degeneration causes thinning and changes in the outer retina. Many people don’t notice any symptoms, but these weak spots can lead to retinal tears or detachment. Our retina specialists recommend regular checkups to protect your vision and catch problems early.
Lattice degeneration happens when parts of the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye, become unusually thin. These spots often look like oval or straight patches with pigment changes, and sometimes you’ll see a crisscross pattern from hardened blood vessels. Even though the word “degeneration” sounds serious, most people with this condition don’t notice any vision problems because it usually doesn’t cause symptoms.
During an eye exam, these changes show up as thinner areas of the retina, sometimes with pigment clumps or pale spots. Thinning tends to occur near the outer edges and can affect one or both eyes, though it’s common to see it in both. Since the retina plays a key role in vision, these thinned spots are considered weaker areas and should be monitored closely.
Your vision is one of your most valuable senses, and vigilance can make all the difference when it comes to retinal health. Here’s what you should do if you notice any changes, especially if you have been diagnosed with lattice degeneration:
If you notice new floaters, flashes, or a shadow over your vision, contact our office as soon as possible for a comprehensive examination.
Note when the symptoms started and any changes or patterns you observe. This can be very helpful to our retina specialists in assessing your condition.
While no specific lifestyle modifications can cure lattice degeneration, it is wise to avoid activities that might put sudden strain on your eyes until you have been evaluated.
Even without symptoms, continue with your scheduled annual or more frequent eye exams to ensure that your retinal health is maintained.
A retina specialist is an ophthalmologist who has received advanced training in diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. They diagnose and treat complex retinal conditions, including lattice degeneration, retinal detachments, and other retinal disorders
Retina specialists are uniquely qualified to evaluate lattice degeneration because it involves changes in the peripheral retina that can lead to retinal tears or detachments. They use specialized diagnostic tools and procedures, like retinal imaging, laser therapy, and injections, to protect and restore vision.
Lattice degeneration forms through a series of changes in the retina over time, leading to areas of thinning and weakness.
The process begins with patches of the retina gradually becoming thinner than the surrounding tissue. These areas often contain sclerotic blood vessels arranged in a crisscross or lattice pattern, which gives the condition its name.
As the vitreous gel inside the eye ages or shifts, it can pull away from the retina. In eyes with lattice degeneration, this process is uneven, and the retina is more likely to be stretched or tugged in the weakened spots.
The abnormal pull of the vitreous on these thin patches can sometimes cause small holes or tears in the retina. These are most likely to develop at the edges of the lattice lesions.
If a tear or hole forms, fluid from the vitreous can slip underneath the retina, increasing the risk of a retinal detachment. This is why regular monitoring is important for people diagnosed with lattice degeneration.
Lattice degeneration usually goes unnoticed because it doesn’t cause symptoms. It’s often found during a routine dilated eye exam. During this exam, our retina specialists use dilating drops to get a clear view of the retina. With a headlight and lens, they carefully examine the outer edges where lattice changes are most likely to show up.
Sometimes, they use a method called scleral depression, applying light pressure to the eye, to check for hidden retinal tears. Lattice degeneration is primarily diagnosed during a clinical exam; advanced imaging is not routinely required, but wide-angle retinal photos may be taken for documentation and follow-up.
Lattice degeneration has a distinct look, oval or straight patches, pigment clumps, and occasionally a crosshatch pattern. These features help distinguish it from other peripheral conditions like paving stone degeneration, retinoschisis, or old scars. While lattice degeneration itself doesn’t cause pain or affect central vision, checking for it matters because of the risks it can pose.
Several factors are linked to the development of lattice degeneration. Knowing these can help with early detection and monitoring:
One of the primary reasons lattice degeneration is monitored so closely is its association with retinal tears and detachment. While only a small proportion of people with lattice degeneration will experience these complications, understanding the process is key to prevention.
There are two main ways in which lattice degeneration can lead to retinal detachment:
Over time, the thinning retina within lattice lesions may develop small atrophic holes. In most cases, these holes remain stable; however, in some individuals, they may allow fluid to seep underneath the retina, increasing the possibility of a detachment.
If you're at risk for lattice degeneration or have noticed any changes in your vision, don’t wait. Contact our experienced retina specialists, who can provide personalized assessments and management strategies tailored to your unique needs. Schedule your appointment today for peace of mind regarding your retinal health!
The vitreous gel in the eye normally adheres loosely to the retina. In areas of lattice degeneration, this adhesion is abnormally strong. When the vitreous begins to shrink or exert traction, it can cause the retina to tear, particularly at the margins of these weakened areas.
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it is essential to reach out to our office for a thorough evaluation. While these symptoms do not necessarily mean you will encounter a serious complication, they are early warnings that should never be ignored. However, if complications such as a retinal tear or detachment arise, symptoms might include:
Brief bursts of light, particularly in your peripheral vision, can occur when the retina is disturbed.
An increase in small specks or cobweb-like shadows drifting across your vision can be a sign of retinal changes or a tear.
A dark or shadowy veil descending over a portion of your visual field can be alarming and may signal a retinal detachment.
Although lattice degeneration itself does not cause blurred or distorted vision, any unexpected change in your vision, such as blurring or distortion, should prompt a visit to our retina specialists immediately, as this may indicate a retinal tear or detachment.
If you’ve been diagnosed with lattice degeneration, regular checkups are key. Since it’s often found by chance during a routine eye exam, our retina specialists usually recommend a yearly dilated fundus exam to catch any changes early.
If you’re at higher risk, like having strong myopia, a family history of retinal detachment, or past retinal tears, your eye doctor may suggest more frequent visits. The goal is to spot early signs of retinal tears or detachment so they can be treated right away.
During follow-ups, your retina will be closely examined for even small changes. Sometimes, wide-angle retinal photos are taken to track how the lattice areas look over time and compare them with future exams.
Most people with lattice degeneration don’t need treatment because it doesn’t affect vision on its own. The main approach is prevention and early action if problems develop. Regular checkups with our retina specialist are the safest and most effective way to manage it.
These treatments are only done after a careful evaluation. Preventive treatment for lattice degeneration is generally not recommended unless there is an associated retinal tear, a history of retinal detachment in the other eye, or other high-risk features. Occasionally, if a patient is planning intraocular surgery (like cataract removal) and has high-risk lattice lesions, preventive treatment may be considered.
In rare cases where a retinal tear is found, preventive treatment may be recommended. Two common options are:
In most cases, the condition does not directly affect your central vision since it is localized to the peripheral retina. However, the risk lies in the potential progression to retinal tears or detachment, which could pose a threat to vision.
Lattice degeneration itself does not create any direct symptoms. Most patients do not notice any difference until a retinal tear or detachment begins to develop, where symptoms such as flashing lights, floaters, or vision obscurations might appear.
For the majority of patients, treatment is not necessary, and management involves simply watching the lesion over time during routine eye exams. Preventive treatment is reserved for cases where there is evidence of a retinal tear or early detachment signs.
Should a retinal tear be noted, our retina specialists will discuss immediate treatment options such as laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy to minimize further risk. Timely intervention is crucial to prevent the progression to a full retinal detachment.
If you're at risk for lattice degeneration or have noticed any changes in your vision, don’t wait. Contact our experienced retina specialists, who can provide personalized assessments and management strategies tailored to your unique needs. Schedule your appointment today for peace of mind regarding your retinal health!
Lattice degeneration involves changes in the retina, potentially leading to serious complications. Understand the symptoms and importance of regular exams.
