Lattice degeneration carries a small risk of developing which condition?

• A. Retinal detachment
• B. Glaucoma
• C. Cataract
• D. Macular edema

Answer: (A)

Lattice degeneration is a thinning of the peripheral retina that can predispose to tearing. The main risk it carries is rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: if a tear forms in these weakened areas, vitreous fluid can pass through the break and separate the neurosensory retina from the underlying pigment epithelium, causing a detachment. This is why retinal detachment is the best answer here. Glaucoma, cataract, and macular edema involve different parts of the eye and different processes, so they’re not direct consequences of lattice degeneration. In some cases, treatment around lattice areas with laser can help prevent tears, but the core idea is that a tear can lead to retinal detachment.