Understanding Lattice Degeneration: Risks and Monitoring

Lattice

Degeneration: Recognize the Threat to Vision Health

Understanding

Lattice

Degeneration:

Lattice Degeneration is a condition characterized by the abnormal thinning of the peripheral retina, which is the tissue lining the back of the eye. This thinning makes the retina more susceptible to tears, breaks, or holes, which can potentially result in a retinal detachment. Monitoring is crucial once lattice degeneration is diagnosed to prevent further complications.

Genetic Predisposition

Causes and Risk Factors:

Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Aging

Connective Tissue Disorders

Eye Trauma

Retinal Detachments in the Contralateral

Eye

Symptoms of Lattice

Blurred vision

Degeneration:

Flashing lights

Floaters

Curtain obscuring part of your peripheral visual field If you experience any of these, seek prompt ophthalmic care.

Diagnostic Methods:

Lattice degeneration is a clinical diagnosis, identified on dilated fundus examination typically using a binocular indirect ophthalmoscope, with or without the use of scleral depression. Ancillary imaging may assist in identifying and documenting lattice degeneration.

Potential Complications & Conditions Associated with Lattice Degeneration!

Myopia

(Nearsightedness):

Lattice degeneration is more commonly found in individuals with myopia. The elongation of the eyeball in nearsightedness can contribute to the thinning and weakening of the retina, increasing the risk of lattice degeneration.

Retinal Tears:

Lattice degeneration can make the retina more susceptible to tears or breaks. This can occur when the weakened areas of lattice degeneration lead to the separation of the retina from the underlying layers, potentially leading to retinal tears.

Retinal

Detachment:

Lattice degeneration is a risk factor for retinal detachment. If a retinal tear occurs in a lattice degeneration area, it can provide a pathway for the fluid in the eye to pass through, leading to a retinal detachment where the retina detaches from its normal position.

Macular Hole:

Lattice degeneration is a risk factor for retinal detachment. If a retinal tear occurs in a lattice degeneration area, it can provide a pathway for the fluid in the eye to pass through, leading to a retinal detachment where the retina detaches from its normal position.

Vitreous Floaters:

Lattice degeneration can also be associated with an increased occurrence of vitreous floaters. Floaters are small specks or cobweb-like structures that float within the vitreous humor, casting shadows on the retina and affecting vision.