What Is Lattice Degeneration?
Lattice Degeneration is a condition that affects the peripheral retina, resulting in tissue thinning or weakening. It's commonly detected during routine eye examinations and considered benign. However, lattice degradation can sometimes increase risk of retinal tears and detachments.
The exact cause of lattice degeneration is unknown. However, it's believed to be related to abnormal collagen fiber formation in the retina. Lattice degeneration is more common in individuals with myopia (nearsightedness). It can affect both eyes.
What are the symptoms Lattice Degeneration ?
The symptoms of lattice degeneration can vary from person to person. Some may experience no noticeable manifestations, while others may develop the following signs:
* Floaters. Lattice Degeneration can cause similar symptoms as other retinal disorders in that you may perceive "floaters", which are small specks, strands or dots that move around within your field of vision and sometimes move when you try to focus. When trying to focus, these "floaters" can move.
* Flashes Of Light: These sudden flashes, which are often described as bright, brief flickers that appear in the peripheral vision, can occur suddenly. These flashes of light may be more noticeable in dimly-lit environments or if you move your eyes quickly over them.
* Reduced peripheral vision: Lattice-degeneration can result in a decreased peripheral sight, creating a tunnel like visual field that makes it harder to see objects or people around you. This can make it difficult to see objects or people in the side vision.
If you notice sudden changes in your vision or any other symptoms, it's important to see an ophthalmologist for an examination and treatment.
What causes Lattice Degeneration
The cause of lattice degradation is not well understood. However, there are many factors that may contribute to its development. These include:
* Genetic Risk Factors. Lattice Degeneration can have genetic roots. Its symptoms are often passed down in families and suggest a genetic susceptibility. You may be more susceptible to lattice-degeneration if you have certain variations.
* Nearsightedness (Myopia): The most common cause of lattice degeneration in people with myopia is a refractive problem where distant objects are blurred and the eyeball grows longer than normal. Myopia's stretched shape can cause mechanical strain to the peripheral retina. This could contribute to lattice-degeneration.
* Vitreous changes: The vitreous, a gel like substance inside our eyes, can change. As we age its structure can change, becoming more liquid, or it may separate from the retina. This creates pull forces that cause lattice and subsequent lattice degradation.
Collagen Abnormalities - Lattice Degeneration is linked to abnormal collagen fibers within the retina. Collagen is a structural component of tissue. Damage or defects in its fibers can lead to lattice-like degeneration, resulting in its characteristic thinned out condition.
The lattice-degeneration condition may not cause any symptoms and may not require treatment if there are no complications. However, people with this condition may be at a slightly higher risk of retinal tears and detachments. They should have regular eye exams by an ophthalmologist and undergo monitoring to detect potential problems.
