Lattice Degeneration: Take A Look into Causes, Symptoms, and Eye Exam Importance

Lattice Degeneration

The thinning of the retina that can happen over time is known as Lattice degeneration. Approximately 10 out of 100 people have lattice degeneration. An individual requires a healthy retina for clear vision, yet many people with this condition remain symptom-free without any impact on their vision. However, in some cases, lattice degeneration can lead to retinal detachment. As the condition of retinal detachment can cause vision loss, those with lattice degeneration need regular eye exams.

What Causes Lattice Degeneration?

According to experts, the exact cause of lattice degeneration is not sure. However, they have found that certain people are more adaptive to the risk of developing the condition. It is considered that lattice degeneration is not always inherited, but it does run in some families.

Lattice Degeneration is also more common in people with:

    Myopia (nearsightedness)

    Certain diseases like Stickler syndrome and Marfan syndrome.

Symptoms of Lattice Degeneration:

People living with lattice degeneration do not have any symptoms. The depletion of the retina due to lattice degeneration may tear, break, or get holes easier. This kind of retinal condition can lead to retinal detachment, which can cause blindness without treatment.

Symptoms of Retinal Tears and Detachment are:

    New floaters

    Flashing lights

    A shadow or gray curtain blocking a part of your vision

    Blurry vision or change in vision

If you have any of these symptoms, see your ophthalmologist right away. Timely treatment can save your vision.

Diagnosis of Lattice Degeneration:

Lattice degeneration is asymptomatic, so it is recommended to visit Eye Doctor Plainfield, Illinois for routine eye examinations. Your eye doctor employs specialized eye drops to dilate or widen your pupils. By doing so eye doctor can get a better view of the back of the eye, where the retina is. Your doctor then uses a slit lamp to look inside your eye.

Treatment of Lattice Degeneration:

There is no mandatory treatment for lattice degeneration, as this condition does not affect your vision. It is advice to Visit your eye doctor once a year for an eye exam. Your eye doctor will want to check the health of your eyes and your retina.

Know the signs of retinal tears and detachment. And if found with any of the symptoms, call your ophthalmologist right away.

In rare cases, your ophthalmologist may opt to perform laser or cryotherapy to strengthen the weakest part of the depleted retina. By employing these treatments, your doctor can help prevent your retina from experiencing tears or detachment. 

In case of retinal tears or detachment, your ophthalmologist will use a laser or other surgery to seal the retina back into place.

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