---
title: "Lattice degeneration | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What lattice degeneration is, why it is found during eye checks, its link to retinal tears, and when treatment is needed. Clinically reviewed."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/lattice-degeneration/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Lattice degeneration

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Lattice degeneration is thinning and stretching of the peripheral retina, found in around one in ten people, often during a routine eye examination. Most people have no symptoms and need no treatment, but in some it increases the risk of retinal tears, especially if you are very short-sighted.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Symptoms
4. Risk and monitoring
5. Treatment
6. Related conditions
7. Related symptoms
8. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

Lattice degeneration appears as fine white lines or patches at the edge of the retina where the tissue is thinner. It is not a disease you can feel, but an observation made when the back of the eye is examined.

## Symptoms

Lattice degeneration itself causes no symptoms. It matters because it can occasionally predispose to retinal tears.

- Usually no symptoms
- Discovered during dilated eye examination
- Important to report new flashes, floaters or shadows
- More common in short-sighted people

## Risk and monitoring

Most people never develop problems. Higher vigilance is sensible if you are very short-sighted, have a family history of retinal detachment, or have had an eye injury. New flashes or a curtain shadow need urgent assessment.

## Treatment

No treatment is needed for lattice degeneration alone. If tears develop at its edge, laser or freezing treatment can seal them before detachment occurs. Regular eye checks help catch changes early in high-risk people.

## Related conditions

## Related symptoms

## Frequently asked questions

### Is lattice degeneration serious?

Usually not. Most people have no problems, but it can increase retinal tear risk in some, especially with high short-sightedness. New flashes or shadows need urgent checks.

### Does lattice degeneration need treatment?

The lattice itself does not need treatment. If a retinal tear forms, that tear is treated to prevent detachment.

### How is lattice degeneration found?

It is usually seen during a dilated eye examination of the retina, often incidentally in otherwise healthy eyes.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [American Academy of Ophthalmology EyeWiki - Lattice degeneration](https://eyewiki.aao.org/Lattice_Degeneration)