Lattice Degeneration Treatment in Connecticut: Protecting Your Vision with Expert Care
Your vision is one of your most valuable senses, so even subtle changes in eye health deserve attention. Lattice degeneration is a relatively common retinal condition that often goes unnoticed and can increase the risk of more serious complications, such as retinal detachment. Retina Consultants, P.C. offers advanced diagnosis and treatment for lattice degeneration to help protect the vision of many patients in and out of Connecticut. With a commitment to excellence, our six vitreoretinal specialists offer advanced retinal care rooted in a compassionate, patient-centric approach.
What is lattice degeneration?
Lattice degeneration is a condition where the retina thins and weakens, particularly in the peripheral (side) areas of the eye. These weakened areas can make the retina more vulnerable to tears or holes, especially if the vitreous gel inside the eye pulls on it. If these retinal tears go unnoticed, fluid from the vitreous can leak, causing the retina to detach and leading to permanent vision loss.
Lattice retinal degeneration (LRD) affects 8-10% of the population and is more common in patients with nearsightedness (myopia). While many people with lattice degeneration never experience symptoms, regular monitoring is essential to prevent potential vision-threatening issues.
What are the symptoms of lattice degeneration?
As mentioned, LRD itself doesn’t cause symptoms, so the only way to diagnose it is through advanced techniques like dilated fundus examination. Your eye doctor uses special dye to dilate the pupil before using special light and lenses to examine your eye. Based on your results, your retina specialist may use scleral depression to get a clear view of the peripheral retina.
While LRD is generally asymptomatic, some patients may experience photopsia, characterized by flashes of light in peripheral vision. Often, this is a sign of a more serious retinal issue, such as retinal detachment, which needs urgent treatment to avoid permanent blindness.
Who is at risk of lattice retinal degeneration?
Lattice degeneration can affect anyone, but it is more common in individuals who are nearsighted (myopic), have a family history of retinal conditions, or have experienced previous eye trauma. Lattice-like lesions are also common in patients with rare eye conditions such as Marfan syndrome and Stickler syndrome. Most LRDs are discovered during a routine dilated eye exam, even when you have no noticeable symptoms.
What are the treatment options for lattice degeneration?
In most cases, lattice degeneration does not require immediate treatment. However, identifying it early allows your retinal specialist to closely monitor it. The good news is that most patients with LRD never develop retinal tears or detachment.
With modern retinal care, we no longer wait for complications to occur before taking action. A proactive approach with laser therapy or cryotherapy helps prevent LRD complications. These therapies strengthen weakened areas of the retina to prevent future tears or detachments. We’ll discuss your options so you can make an informed decision about your retinal health.
Rarely, LRD can progress into a retinal detachment. This condition is time-sensitive and requires urgent intervention with laser photocoagulation, scleral buckling, or vitreoectomy. No matter how complex your retinal condition is, our retina specialists have the expertise and experience to protect your vision.
Do you need treatment for lattice retinal degeneration?
With over four decades of experience, Retina Consultants, P.C. is a trusted name in retinal care. We have a team of six highly trained vitreoretinal specialists, ensuring retinal excellence across over 100 retinal conditions, including lattice degeneration.
To access our advanced retinal care, call us at:
Hartford
Manchester
Cromwell
Farmington
Enfield
With five convenient, well-equipped offices throughout Connecticut, patients can access expert care close to home. Schedule an appointment with our office and get expert care from a team that puts your retinal health first.
