Condition

Lattice Degeneration

Also known as Retinal Lattice, Peripheral Retinal Lattice, Lattice Retinal Degeneration, Thin Retina Spots, Retinal Tear Risk

Updated May 16, 2026For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice. See our terms.

Bottom Line

Lattice degeneration is thinning in the far edge of the retina. Most people never need treatment, but new flashes, floaters, or a curtain need urgent eye care.

Lattice degeneration is a patch of thin peripheral retina. It is often found during a dilated eye exam before it causes symptoms.

Most people with lattice never develop a retinal detachment. A long-term study found a low rate of clinical detachment in untreated eyes 1.

The key is knowing warning signs. New flashes, many new floaters, or a curtain can mean a retinal tear or detachment.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

Lattice degeneration itself usually causes no symptoms. Warning signs come from a tear or detachment:

  • New flashes of light.
  • Many new floaters or black dots.
  • A curtain, shadow, or veil in vision.
  • Sudden vision loss.
Get same-day care for new flashes or many floaters. Go to the emergency room for sudden vision loss or a curtain.

Treatment

Most quiet lattice degeneration is watched, not lasered. A long-term natural history study found low detachment rates in many untreated eyes 1.

Laser or freezing treatment may be used when there is a tear, high-risk hole, symptoms, or special risk in the other eye. The goal is to create a scar barrier around weak retina.

Your retina specialist decides based on symptoms, exam findings, and history of detachment.

Follow-Up and Prevention

You cannot feel lattice thinning. Dilated exams are the way to check it.

  • Keep the follow-up schedule your eye doctor sets.
  • Learn warning signs before travel or surgery.
  • Tell your doctor before cataract or refractive surgery.
  • Seek care fast for new flashes, floaters, or a curtain.

People who already had a retinal detachment in one eye may need closer review of the other eye 2.

Common Questions About Lattice Degeneration

Yes. It is often found during a dilated exam and usually causes no symptoms.

Next Steps

  1. 1Learn the warning signs: new flashes, many floaters, a curtain, or sudden vision loss.
  2. 2Get same-day urgent eye care for new flashes or many floaters.
  3. 3Go to the emergency room for sudden vision loss or a curtain in vision.
  4. 4Ask whether your lattice has holes, tears, or traction.
  5. 5Tell your eye surgeon about lattice before cataract or refractive surgery.

Find specialists for Lattice Degeneration

Board-certified ophthalmologists who treat Lattice Degeneration.

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