Lattice Degeneration
Lattice degeneration, a vitreoretinal interface abnormality, is present in 6%–10% of the general population and is bilateral in one-third to one-half of affected patients. It occurs more commonly in—but is not limited to—myopic eyes; a familial predilection is present.
Lattice degeneration may predispose eyes to retinal breaks and detachment. The most important histologic features include varying degrees of atrophy and irregularity of the inner layers, an overlying pocket of liquefied vitreous, condensation, and adherence of vitreous at the margin of the lesion (Figs 16-3, 16-4, 16-5).
Lattice degeneration is found in approximately 20%–30% of all eyes that present with rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (discussed later in this chapter). However, because the lattice degeneration is not necessarily causative, prophylactic laser treatment is not universally recommended. When lattice degeneration is the cause of retinal detachment, a tractional tear at the lateral or posterior margin of the lattice lesion or, less commonly, an atrophic hole within the zone of lattice itself occurs (Fig 16-6). Retinal detachments secondary to atrophic holes typically occur in young patients with myopic eyes and no vitreous detachment; they are generally asymptomatic until fixation is involved.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 10 - Glaucoma. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.