Lattice Degeneration
Thinning of the outer edge of the retina
Quick Facts
- Type: Eye / retinal condition
- Location: Peripheral (outer) retina
- Usual symptoms: Often none
- Seek urgent care: New floaters, flashes, or a vision curtain
Overview
Lattice degeneration is a common condition in which areas of the outer edge of the retina (the peripheral retina) become thin and weakened. On examination, these areas often show a crisscrossing, net-like or lattice pattern, which gives the condition its name. It is found in a notable share of the general population and is frequently discovered by chance during a routine dilated eye exam.
In most people, lattice degeneration causes no symptoms and never leads to problems. However, because the retina is thinner in these areas, it carries a somewhat higher risk of developing a retinal tear or hole, which can sometimes lead to a retinal detachment. Knowing the warning signs of a detachment is therefore important. It helps to keep this risk in perspective: although lattice degeneration is common and most people with it never develop a detachment, the condition is worth being aware of precisely because a retinal detachment is treatable and far less likely to cause lasting harm when it is caught and repaired early.
Symptoms
Lattice degeneration itself usually causes no symptoms. Symptoms arise only if a complication develops.
- Often nothing noticeable; it is typically found during an eye exam
- New floaters (specks, cobwebs, or strings that drift across vision)
- Flashes of light, especially in the side (peripheral) vision
- A shadow or curtain coming across part of the vision
- Sudden loss of part of the field of vision
New floaters, flashes, or a shadow or curtain over your vision are warning signs of a retinal tear or detachment and need urgent evaluation by an eye specialist or emergency eye care.
Causes
The exact cause is not fully understood, but it relates to thinning and weakening of the peripheral retina.
- Retinal thinning: Areas of the outer retina become thin, and the gel inside the eye (vitreous) can stick to their edges.
- Stretching from myopia: Lattice degeneration is more common in nearsighted (myopic) eyes, where the retina is stretched.
- Inherited tendency: It can run in families.
The weakened areas can occasionally develop holes, and traction from the vitreous gel can lead to a tear, which in turn can allow fluid under the retina and cause a detachment.
Risk Factors
- Nearsightedness (myopia), especially severe myopia
- A family history of lattice degeneration or retinal detachment
- A previous retinal tear or detachment in either eye
- Eye injury
Diagnosis
Lattice degeneration is diagnosed by an eye specialist during an examination of the retina.
- Dilated eye exam: Drops widen the pupil so the doctor can examine the peripheral retina, where lattice degeneration is found.
- Scleral depression: Gentle pressure on the outside of the eye lets the doctor see the far edges of the retina.
- Wide-field retinal imaging: Photographs can document the areas and help with monitoring over time.
Treatment
Most lattice degeneration needs no treatment, only awareness and regular eye exams.
- Observation: If there are no symptoms and no tear, the usual approach is monitoring with periodic dilated exams.
- Laser or freezing treatment: If a tear or high-risk area is found, the eye specialist may seal it with laser or a freezing treatment (cryotherapy) to lower the risk of detachment.
- Treating a detachment: If a retinal detachment occurs, it is a surgical emergency and is repaired with one of several procedures.
Whether to treat lattice degeneration that has not torn is an individual decision made with the eye specialist, based on factors such as symptoms and history of detachment.
Prevention
Lattice degeneration cannot be prevented, but the risk of serious complications can be reduced:
- Have regular dilated eye exams, especially if you are nearsighted or have a family history of retinal problems
- Know the warning signs of a retinal tear or detachment and act on them quickly
- Protect your eyes from injury, including wearing protection during sports and risky activities
- Report any sudden floaters, flashes, or vision changes without delay
When to See a Doctor
If you know you have lattice degeneration, keep up with regular eye exams. Seek urgent or emergency eye care immediately if you notice:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- Flashes of light in your vision
- A shadow, curtain, or veil moving across part of your vision
- Sudden loss of part of your field of vision
These are warning signs of a retinal tear or detachment, where prompt treatment can save vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lattice degeneration serious?
In most people it causes no symptoms and never leads to problems. However, the thinned retina carries a somewhat higher risk of a tear or detachment, so it is worth monitoring and knowing the warning signs of new floaters, flashes, or a vision curtain.
Does lattice degeneration need treatment?
Often not. If there are no symptoms and no tear, it is usually just monitored with regular dilated exams. If a tear or high-risk area is found, laser or freezing treatment may be used to lower the risk of a retinal detachment.
What are the warning signs I should watch for?
Seek urgent eye care for a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain moving across your vision. These can signal a retinal tear or detachment, which needs prompt treatment to protect sight.
Who gets lattice degeneration?
It is more common in people who are nearsighted, especially with severe myopia, and can run in families. People with a previous retinal tear or detachment are also more likely to have it. It is often found by chance during a routine dilated eye exam.
Can lattice degeneration cause retinal detachment?
It can, though most cases never do. The thinned areas can develop holes or tears, and pulling from the gel inside the eye can lead to a detachment. Regular eye exams and prompt attention to warning signs help reduce this risk.
References
- National Eye Institute (NEI). Retinal detachment.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Lattice degeneration.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retinal detachment.
- National Library of Medicine, StatPearls. Lattice Degeneration.