Lattice Degeneration Workup

Updated: Jul 26, 2021
  • Author: Hemang K Pandya, MD, FACS; Chief Editor: Andrew A Dahl, MD, FACS  more...
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Workup

Approach Considerations

A dilated eye examination with careful examination of the peripheral retina may be performed.

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Laboratory Studies

No appropriate laboratory studies exist for lattice degeneration.

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Imaging Studies

Optos camera fundus photography may be useful for annual follow-up and documentation of the condition.

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Procedures

Examination by direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy

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Histologic Findings

Histologic studies of autopsy cases demonstrate that lattice lesions are characterized by 3 invariable features: thinning or atrophy of the inner retinal layers, vitreous liquefaction overlying the area of thinned retina, and vitreous condensation and exaggerated vitreoretinal attachments at the borders of the lesions.

The blood vessels within the lesions are usually patent, but they often show fibrous thickening of their walls, which correlates to the white lattice lines seen clinically. Melanin-laden macrophages may explain the pigmentation seen clinically. Glial proliferations may represent overlying preretinal opacities.

Electron microscopic studies have demonstrated retinal thinning, loss of retinal neurons, internal limiting lamina absence, fibrosis of blood vessels, and accumulation of pigment and/or glial elements.

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