Lattice degeneration does not usually cause symptoms and most people with the condition will never experience symptoms. The white lines are caused by blood vessel changes. The thin patches are on the edges of the retina and have fine white lines arranged in a lattice appearance like the crossed strips of wood that form a lattice fence. The incidence of lattice degeneration does not follow a definitive inheritance pattern, but it does sometimes occur in families. It is more common in people with myopia (nearsightedness). The condition is relatively common and is present in about 10% of the population and is typically found in both eyes. Lattice degeneration is a retinal condition in which the retinal tissue has abnormally thin patches that may increase the chance of retinal detachment.
