If left untreated, uveitis can lead to serious complications such as cataracts and glaucoma. In severe cases, all layers of the uvea are affected. Depending on where the condition manifests, symptoms have varying degrees of intensity. Redness and swelling can occur in the front, middle, or back of the uvea. Uveitis is a condition in which the uvea, the middle layer of tissue in the eye, becomes inflamed. However, because the retinal tissue is already fragile, patients with lattice degeneration are sometimes more vulnerable to serious conditions such as retinal tears or detachment.įor more information, please visit the American Society of Retina Specialists website. In the vast majority of cases, the condition is not serious and does not require treatment. Lattice degeneration does not cause any symptoms on its own and may go unnoticed.

This is what creates the condition’s distinct lattice-like appearance. The retinal blood vessels also become damaged and stiff, leading to the formation of round or oval-shaped legions in the far peripheral retina. If you think you may have symptoms of lattice degeneration, call The Macula Center at 72.Lattice degeneration is a common condition in which the peripheral retinal tissue becomes abnormally thin. Regular dilated eye exams to detect and treat any possible complications are a good idea for the symptomatic patient.Īn optometrist or ophthalmologist can monitor lattice degeneration but a vitreo-retina specialist will usually perform the treatment. If there are any suspicions of possible lattice, the vitreo-retinal specialist will do a dilated peripheral retinal exam. Misdiagnosis of Lattice degeneration is not uncommon.

If the doctor finds a retinal tear near the lesion, a preventative laser procedure can help avoid retinal detachment complications. In rare cases, the doctor performs a “barrier” laser to “tack down” the retina surrounding these lesions to avoid the possibility of retinal detachment. Treatment of lattice is typically prophylactic. During ophthalmoscopy, the doctor sometimes uses scleral depression – a technique in which she applies slight pressure on the outside of the eye in order to give the her a better view of the peripheral retina. Retinal holes can occur in the lesions and tractional retinal tears can develop in rare cases.ĭiagnosis of lattice degeneration is done by a well-dilated, peripheral retina examination called ophthalmoscopy. Many vitreo-retinal physicians associate lattice with higher risk of retinal detachment. Lattice degeneration, along with vitreous detachment can be precursors to retinal detachment. Lattice does not typically cause symptoms, but if symptoms occur, they include photopsia, or flashing lights in the patient’s peripheral (side) vision. Estimates are that 8 to 11 percent of the population has peripheral retinal changes that are categorized as lattice degeneration. The typical lattice degeneration patient is over 25 years of age and may be myopic (nearsighted). Lattice degeneration lesions, usually localized, appear as round/oval or linear patches in the far peripheral retina. Lattice degeneration is a retina condition in which the retinal tissue is abnormally thin and the blood vessels have a “lattice-like” appearance due to fibrosis.

Symptoms of lattice degeneration