Frequency of Lattice Degeneration in one eye of the patients with Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment.

Abstract

Objective: We carried out this study to analyze and tabulate frequency of lattice degeneration in the fellow eye of
patients with Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Methodology: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Ophthalmology, Civil Hospital,
Karachi. All participants aged between 18 to 60 years with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment of either gender, were
enrolled through non probability consecutive sampling. Demographic details included age, gender, height, weight and
BMI. Lattice degeneration was labeled as positive based on presence of one or more of the following features which
includes retinal thinning with round, oval, or linear outlines, pigment changes, yellow-white flecks, white patches, red
crater-type spots, small atrophic holes, branching white lines, and scattered yellow atrophic areas. Rarely, tractional
tears occur near the ends or back margins of these lesions.
Results: Amongst the 98 patients, the mean age was 51.72 ±3.69 years. There were 68 (69.4%) females. Decreased
vision as presenting symptoms was reported by 54 (55.2%) participants, flashes of light by 39 (39.8%) and peripheral
shadow by 21 (21.4%) patients. The frequency of lattice degeneration was observed in 33 (33.7%) patients. Statistically
significant correlation was found between symptoms and age groups with the presence of lattice degeneration in fellow
eyes (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The frequency of lattice degeneration was observed in one third of the fellow eye of patients with rhegmatogenous
retinal detachment. Hence, driving the need for correct and vigilant screening on first presentation to prevent
any irreversible complications.

Keywords: Fellow eye, Frequency, Lattice degeneration, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.