What is Lattice Degeneration?
Lattice degeneration is a degenerative change in the peripheral retina. While this is not a common occurrence, it is seen in 6-8% of the population. During a dilated eye examination the eye doctor will use an indirect ophthalmoscope to examine the peripheral retina and look for changes that may predispose the patients to retinal problems that are undetected by patients. Lattice is typically asymptomatic but i soften a precursor to retinal hole formation and/or a retinal detachment. Lattice degeneration is a risk factor for retinal detachments especially in nearsighted eyes and in eyes that have previously had surgery. If a patient has lattice in one eye there is 50% chance that it will be in the other as well.
Lattice appears as a cigar shaped area of whitening and pigment clumping in the anterior peripheral retinal. The retina is typically thinner within areas of lattice. The vitreous gel. which is attached to the edges of the lattice, may tug on it and cause a horseshoe tear in the retina. The area is much more predisposed to a torn retina. When there is a retinal tear or hole within lattice it is commonly treated by laser or cryotherapy. Dr’s Stuart Burgess, Dr. Tirso Lara, and Dr. Ronald Glatzer are the skillfully trained retinal specialists at the Ft. Lauderdale Eye Institute that will properly monitor and treat this retinal disorder.
