Lattice Degeneration

Overview

Lattice degeneration is a common change in the outer edges of the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye. The retina becomes thinner in small areas and can look like a crosshatch or lattice pattern. It usually causes no symptoms and is often found during a routine eye exam. In a small number of people, the thin areas can lead to a retinal tear or retinal detachment, which need urgent care.

Yes, lattice degeneration is common. It is one of the more frequent changes found in the peripheral retina during eye exams.

It is more common in people who are nearsighted (myopic), especially people with high myopia, and it becomes more common with age. It can also run in families. It is usually found in adults, but it can occur in younger people too.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Usually no symptoms at all.
• Often found only during a dilated eye exam.
• If a tear or detachment develops, symptoms can include new flashes of light, new floaters, or a shadow in the vision.

Symptoms in children

• Most children with lattice degeneration have no symptoms.
• It is usually found only if a child has a dilated eye exam for another reason.
• If a child has new flashes, new floaters, or a shadow in their vision, get urgent eye care.

Symptoms in older adults

• Lattice degeneration is more common as people get older.
• It usually causes no symptoms.
• Regular dilated eye exams are important, especially for people who are very nearsighted or have a family history of retinal detachment.

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause is not fully known.
• It is a degenerative change, meaning the tissue thins over time in the outer parts of the retina.
• It is strongly linked to being nearsighted (myopic), especially high myopia, where the eye is longer than average.

Risk factors

• Being very nearsighted (high myopia).
• Getting older.
• A family history of retinal detachment.
• Having had a retinal detachment in the other eye.
• Some eye conditions or eye surgery may increase retinal risk, but your eye care professional can explain your own risk.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You notice new flashes of light.
• You get a sudden increase in floaters.
• You see a shadow, curtain, or veil in your vision.
• Your vision suddenly changes or becomes blurred.

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have been told you have lattice degeneration and need regular eye checks.
• You are very nearsighted and have not had a dilated eye exam recently.
• You have a family history of retinal detachment.
• You want to know how often you should have your eyes checked.

Diagnosis

Lattice degeneration is usually found during a dilated eye exam. Your eye care professional puts drops in your eyes to widen the pupils, then looks at the retina with special lenses and bright light.

Tests that may be done

• Dilated eye exam with special lenses.
• Scleral indentation, where a small tool gently presses on the outside of the eye to see the far edges of the retina.
• Retinal photographs.
• Sometimes an ultrasound scan if the view of the retina is blocked.
• Sometimes other eye scans, depending on what your eye care professional needs to see.

What to expect at your appointment

The dilating drops make your vision blurry and your eyes sensitive to light for a few hours. You may not be able to drive safely after the exam, so it helps to arrange a ride home. The exam itself is usually quick, but you may feel some pressure or brightness.

Treatment

Lattice degeneration itself usually does not need treatment. The main goal is to monitor the retina and catch any tear or detachment early. If a tear or detachment develops, your eye care professional will discuss treatment options.

Self-care at home

• Keep regular dilated eye exams as advised by your eye care professional.
• Learn the warning signs of retinal tear or detachment.
• Use protective eyewear for sports or activities that could injure the eye.
• Do not rub your eyes hard, especially if you have just had eye drops or an eye procedure.
• Ask your eye care professional what level of activity is safe for you.

Medical treatments

There is no medicine or eye drop that removes lattice degeneration. If your eye care professional finds a retinal tear or a very high-risk area, they may use laser treatment to seal the retina to the back wall of the eye. This is not needed for most people with lattice degeneration. A retinal detachment needs surgery, and the earlier it is treated, the better the chance of protecting vision.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is used for a retinal detachment or for some retinal tears that cannot be sealed with laser. It is not used to treat lattice degeneration alone.

Living with this condition

Most people with lattice degeneration live normal lives and do not need to limit their activities. The most important thing is to keep your eye appointments and act quickly if you notice warning signs.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep up with regular eye exams.
• Wear eye protection when needed for sports, DIY, or hazards at work.
• Know your family history of eye problems.
• Avoid smoking, as it is bad for general eye and blood vessel health.
• Tell your eye care professional about any new vision symptoms right away.

Diet and exercise

There is no special diet that treats lattice degeneration. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are good for your general health, including blood flow and eye health. Protect your eyes during exercise or sports where injury is possible.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being told you have a retinal condition can make you feel anxious, especially if you worry about your vision. That is understandable. Most people with lattice degeneration do well, and regular checkups help you feel more in control. If worry is affecting your daily life, talk to your healthcare provider or a mental health professional.

Prevention

Lattice degeneration cannot be prevented, because it is a change in how the retina develops and ages. You can help protect your vision by keeping regular eye exams and getting urgent care for warning signs.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for lattice degeneration.

Screening programmes

Regular dilated eye exams are the best screening. They are especially important if you are very nearsighted, have a family history of retinal detachment, or have already been told you have lattice degeneration. Ask your eye care professional how often you should be checked.

Complications

If left untreated

• A retinal tear can develop.
• A retinal detachment can occur, where the retina pulls away from the back of the eye.
• If a detachment is not treated promptly, it can cause permanent vision loss.
• Some people may develop scarring or other retinal changes over time.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is usually very good. Most people with lattice degeneration never have a retinal tear or detachment. Regular eye checks and quick action on warning signs give the best chance of protecting your vision.

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