Can Lattice Degeneration Cause Blindness?
Lattice degeneration is a thinning of the peripheral retina that affects approximately 6 to 10 percent of the general population. While this condition itself does not directly cause blindness, it increases the risk of developing retinal tears or retinal detachment, which can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
Basics of Lattice Degeneration
The retina is a thin layer of light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. It captures visual information and sends it to the brain through the optic nerve. In lattice degeneration, small areas of the peripheral retina become thinned and develop an abnormal, lattice-like pattern. These regions are structurally weaker and more susceptible to small tears or holes.
Lattice degeneration often develops in both eyes and is more common in individuals with nearsightedness, known as myopia. Myopic eyes are elongated in shape, which stretches the retina and makes it more vulnerable to thinning and degeneration. Although lattice degeneration is usually asymptomatic, its presence indicates that the retina is more fragile and should be monitored carefully by an eye care professional.
How Lattice Degeneration Increases the Risk of Retinal Detachment
Lattice degeneration does not cause vision loss on its own because it affects the peripheral retina rather than the central area responsible for detailed vision. The concern arises when the weakened areas of the retina tear or break due to traction from the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the eye.
As people age, the vitreous gradually shrinks and can pull away from the retina, a process known as posterior vitreous detachment. In eyes with lattice degeneration, this traction can more easily create retinal tears or holes within the thin lattice regions. Once a tear forms, fluid from inside the eye can seep underneath the retina and cause it to lift away from the underlying tissue. This separation is called a retinal detachment.
A retinal detachment is a medical emergency. If the detached area includes or spreads toward the macula, which is responsible for central vision, permanent vision loss can occur. The longer the retina remains detached, the greater the likelihood of irreversible damage.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Retinal Detachment
Patients with lattice degeneration should be aware of symptoms that suggest retinal traction or detachment. The most common warning signs include sudden flashes of light, new or increased floaters, a shadow or curtain across the field of vision, and sudden blurring or loss of peripheral vision. These symptoms indicate that the retina may be tearing or detaching and require immediate evaluation by an eye care professional.
Not all retinal tears lead to detachment, but early detection is critical. Prompt treatment of a tear can prevent fluid from entering beneath the retina and progressing to detachment. Regular eye examinations are essential for monitoring the condition and identifying any new retinal changes.
The Role of Preventive Treatment
In many cases, lattice degeneration does not require treatment and can be safely observed with routine eye exams. However, if a retinal tear or hole is detected, preventive laser therapy may be recommended. This procedure, known as laser photocoagulation, creates a small pattern of controlled burns around the tear. The laser seals the retina to the underlying tissue, preventing fluid from passing through and reducing the risk of detachment.
In certain situations, cryotherapy, which uses a freezing probe to create similar adhesion, may be used instead. These treatments are performed in-office and are generally effective at preventing further complications. Individuals with a history of retinal detachment in one eye or a strong family history of retinal disease are more likely to require preventive treatment for lattice degeneration.
The Consequences of Untreated Retinal Detachment
If a retinal detachment occurs and is not treated promptly, the affected eye can lose vision permanently. The detached retina is deprived of oxygen and nutrients supplied by the underlying layers, leading to the death of retinal cells. Once these cells are lost, they cannot regenerate.
Surgical repair of retinal detachment can restore vision in many cases, but the final outcome depends on the duration and extent of the detachment. The best visual results are achieved when treatment occurs before the macula becomes involved. If the macula detaches, even successful reattachment surgery may not fully restore central vision. This highlights the importance of early recognition and immediate treatment of retinal symptoms in individuals with lattice degeneration.
Risk Factors That Increase the Likelihood of Complications
Several factors increase the likelihood that lattice degeneration will lead to retinal detachment. High myopia, trauma to the eye, and a family history of retinal detachment all raise the risk. Cataract surgery can also increase traction on the retina, which is why patients with lattice degeneration are monitored closely after surgery.
Younger individuals with severe nearsightedness are at greater risk because their vitreous is more likely to exert traction on the thin retinal areas over time. Although not all patients with lattice degeneration experience complications, those with additional risk factors benefit from periodic dilated retinal examinations to detect changes early.