lattice degeneration risk of retinal detachment

Lattice degeneration, also referred to as 'lattice' for short, is a common form of degenerative change seen in the peripheral retina, found in 6-8% of the general population. This condition involves thinning of the retina and abnormal vitreous attachment, which can lead to tears when the vitreous gel pulls on the retina.

In some cases, horseshoe-shaped retinal tears associated with lattice degeneration may require treatment using thermal methods such as laser or cryotherapy. However, not all instances of lattice degeneration necessitate treatment.

The clinical appearance of lattice degeneration typically presents as circumferentially oriented cigar-shaped areas of retinal whitening and/or pigmentation seen in the anterior retina. During an examination, a doctor may gently press on the eye to enhance the view of small holes within areas of lattice degeneration.

Lattice degeneration is more likely to be associated with retinal detachment in near-sighted eyes and those that have had previous surgery. In rare cases, atrophic holes within lattice can lead to RD, often resulting in horseshoe-shaped retinal tears.

While retinal detachment is a relatively rare condition (occurring in 1 in 10,000 individuals), lattice degeneration remains a significant risk factor for retinal detachment. Approximately 30% of spontaneous retinal detachments occurring in eyes without previous surgery are associated with lattice degeneration.

It's worth noting that approximately 50% of patients with lattice degeneration in one eye will also have it in their other eye. Furthermore, lattice degeneration appears as areas of peripheral retinal pigmentation and whitening, often seen between the arrows during an examination.

Despite being a relatively common condition, lattice degeneration is often overlooked by individuals without symptoms or vision problems. However, it's essential to be aware of this condition, especially for those with a family history of lattice degeneration or previous surgery.

In conclusion, lattice degeneration is a degenerative change that can increase the risk of retinal detachment, particularly in near-sighted eyes and those with previous surgery. While not all instances require treatment, it's crucial to be aware of this condition and consult an eye doctor for regular examinations to detect any potential issues early on.

Lattice degeneration risk of retinal detachment