Lattice Degeneration

Background

Lattice degeneration is a common peripheral retinal degeneration that affects approximately 6–8% of the general population. Since it is peripheral, it does not affect the central vision. The retina, which is composed of multiple layers, becomes thinner in areas of lattice degeneration. There are often round holes and color changes associated with these lesions. The vitreous gel that fills the eye can be very adherent to lattice degeneration; this causes an increased risk of developing a retinal detachment. In fact, people with lattice degeneration are about 10 times more likely to get a retinal detachment than the general public and so should be monitored regularly by their eye specialist. Therefore, knowing the symptoms of retinal detachment is vital.

Lattice degeneration does not have any symptoms, so if you have a family member with lattice degeneration, you should have your eyes evaluated regularly because you are at higher risk for developing it.

Most common symptoms

• None

Potential complications

• Retinal tear
• Retinal detachment
• Vision loss