My eye doctor says I have "lattice degeneration" and need to get an exam to dilate my eyes every year to look for further damage. Is this related to macular degeneration? If anything goes wrong, how would I know? Is there anything I can do to prevent damage? What's the worst that could happen?

Rachel

About 5-10 percent of the population will develop lattice degeneration, a fairly common condition that can run in families. Lattice degeneration is a round, oval or linear band of thinning in the peripheral retina. This condition is most common in people who are nearsighted.

Lattice degeneration is not associated with macular degeneration. However, there is an association between lattice degeneration and retinal detachments. A retinal detachment occurs when a hole or tear develops in the retina, allowing fluid to travel underneath the retina and detach the retina from its underlying base.

The good news is that only a small number -- less than 0.5 percent -- of patients with lattice degeneration will develop a retinal detachment. However, up to 25 percent of people who suffer a retinal detachment will have an area of lattice degeneration. Therefore, it's crucial that people with lattice degeneration know the warning signs for retinal detachments: loss of vision in one eye, episodes of flashing light in one eye or a sudden shower of "floaters" in one eye.

Prompt evaluation by an ophthalmologist is crucial to catch an impending retinal detachment as soon as possible. If a retinal tear or hole is not surgically repaired, blindness will most likely occur in that eye.