17 Lattice Degeneration

Lattice degeneration is a peripheral retinal finding with associated retinal thinning, hyalinization of retinal vessels, and increased vitreous adherence at the margins of degenerative changes. It is an important risk factor in the development of retinal tears and retinal detachment. Lattice degeneration is asymptomatic, but it may be associated with conditions that cause floaters or photopsias. Widefield/peripheral optical coherence tomography can reveal anterior and posterior vitreous separation over areas of lattice as well as the irregular nature of the retinal thinning. Regular follow-up and examination of the fellow eye is recommended.