Lattice Degeneration

[myope15]

I am 23 and severly myopic -16 in right eye and -20 in left eye.Recently I observed new flaashes (thought not very frequently) in my left eye. My retina specialist observed lattice degeneration in my left eye and advised barrage laser treatment. Just to be fully convinced before getting any treatment done, i got it cheked by two other doctors, none of whom found any holes.  I wanted to know whether:
1. Is there any other test besides indirect (after dilation) that confirms the presence of lattice holes??
2. If indeed there are holes, shall I get them treated with barrage laser immediately?? Does the treatment delay/prevent retina detachment??
3.. Are there any adverse effects of this treatment??

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

There is no agreement among retina specialists which areas need to be treated and which don't. I have lattice, also retinoschesis. My myopia is about -2.50.  My lattice has not been treated and I am comfortable with that. 7-8% of the population has lattice but RD occurs in about one in 8-9,000 people.

JCH MD

[myope15]

I have read a lot about lattice degeneration on this forum and I am still not convinced whether to go ahead with the laser treatment or not. Do you perosnllay recommend severe myopes with lattice degeneration to get laser treatment??Does lattice degeneration always leads to retinal detachment??

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Lattice may be present with or without holes. Laser is controversaial and not all specialists agree who should be treated and who should not.. Treatment is done to reduce the risks of RD. YEs there are potential side effects including you could still have RD and swelling of macula CMD leading to EMR

JC MD