Yes, you can get LASIK if you have lattice degeneration, but it requires special precautions and a thorough evaluation by your eye specialist.
Lattice degeneration itself doesn’t automatically disqualify you from LASIK, but it does raise your risk for retinal complications, so your ophthalmologist will need to assess and manage this risk carefully.
This blog explains what lattice degeneration is, how it affects LASIK eligibility, what precautions are necessary, and what you should expect before and after surgery.
What Is Lattice Degeneration?
Lattice degeneration is a condition where the peripheral retina (the edge of the retina at the back of your eye) becomes thin and fragile. This thinning creates a lattice-like pattern and can make the retina more prone to tears or holes, especially in people with high myopia (nearsightedness).
Most people with lattice degeneration have no symptoms and never develop complications, but a small percentage are at increased risk for retinal detachment.
How Does Lattice Degeneration Affect LASIK Eligibility?
Why Is Lattice Degeneration a Concern for LASIK?
LASIK corrects vision by reshaping the cornea, but the procedure involves a temporary increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) when a suction ring is used to create the corneal flap. For people with lattice degeneration, this pressure spike can, in rare cases, trigger retinal tears or detachment, especially if the retina is already weakened.
What Do Eye Surgeons Look For?
Before approving LASIK, your ophthalmologist will:
- Perform a thorough retinal exam to check for thinning, holes, or tears.
- Assess your overall eye health, including the degree of myopia and any history of retinal detachment.
- Consider your personal and family risk factors for retinal problems.
If you have active retinal holes, tears, or a history of retinal detachment, your doctor may recommend treating these issues before proceeding with LASIK—or may advise against LASIK altogether in rare cases.
What Precautions Can Minimise Risk?
1. Detailed Retinal Examination
A comprehensive retinal exam (often with pupil dilation) is essential before LASIK. This allows your doctor to identify any weak spots, holes, or early signs of detachment that need attention.
2. Prophylactic Laser Treatment
If your ophthalmologist finds lattice degeneration with holes or tears, they may recommend retinal laser photocoagulation before LASIK. This procedure uses a laser to create small scars around the weak area, “sealing” it to reduce the risk of retinal detachment during or after LASIK.
- Laser treatment is usually performed at least a week before LASIK to allow the retina to heal and strengthen.
- Laser treatment for lattice degeneration is recommended only when holes, tears, or a past retinal detachment are present; it’s not required for every case.
3. Careful Patient Selection
Your surgeon may decide against LASIK if:
- You have untreated retinal holes or tears.
- You have previously experienced retinal detachment in either eye.
- You have very high myopia and multiple risk factors for retinal complications.
In these cases, alternative vision correction procedures or continued use of glasses/contact lenses may be safer.
What Does the Research Say About LASIK and Lattice Degeneration?
- Lattice degeneration affects about 6–10% of the population and is more common in people with moderate to high myopia.
- The lifetime risk of retinal detachment in people with lattice degeneration is low (about 0.5–2%), but it increases if you have high myopia or a prior detachment in the other eye.
- Studies show that prophylactic laser treatment can reduce the risk of retinal detachment in high-risk patients, but it does not eliminate the risk entirely.
- Retinal detachment after LASIK is rare but can happen, especially in patients with untreated lattice degeneration or other retinal weaknesses.
What Should You Expect Before and After LASIK If You Have Lattice Degeneration?
Before Surgery
- Comprehensive eye exam with retinal imaging and dilation
- Discussion of risks and benefits with your ophthalmologist
- Possible retinal laser treatment if holes or tears are found
- Waiting period of at least 7 days after laser treatment before LASIK
After Surgery
- Regular follow-up visits with both your LASIK surgeon and retina specialist
- Prompt reporting of any new symptoms, such as flashes of light, sudden floaters, or a curtain-like shadow in your vision—these can signal a retinal tear or detachment and require immediate attention.
- Ongoing annual retinal exams to monitor for new changes, as lattice degeneration can progress or new weak spots can develop over time.
Alternatives to LASIK for People with Lattice Degeneration
If you are not a good candidate for LASIK due to extensive lattice degeneration or other retinal risks, your doctor may suggest:
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): A surface laser procedure that does not require a corneal flap and may have less impact on intraocular pressure.
- Phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs): Implantable lenses that correct vision without altering the cornea or affecting eye pressure.
- Continued use of glasses or contact lenses if the surgical risk is deemed too high.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
You can get LASIK if you have lattice degeneration, but only with careful screening, possible pre-treatment, and close follow-up.
Work closely with your ophthalmologist and retina specialist to assess your risk, treat any retinal weak spots, and monitor your eyes after surgery. With the right precautions, many people with lattice degeneration enjoy safe, successful LASIK outcomes—and a clear vision for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does lattice degeneration always mean I can’t have LASIK?
No, but it does mean you need a careful retinal evaluation and possibly pre-treatment before surgery. Many people with stable, asymptomatic lattice degeneration can safely have LASIK with proper precautions.
Is retinal laser treatment before LASIK always necessary?
No. Only lattice degeneration with holes, tears, or a history of retinal detachment usually requires pre-treatment. Asymptomatic lattice without holes may just be monitored.
Can LASIK increase the risk of retinal detachment in individuals with lattice degeneration?
The risk is low but higher than average. Proper screening and pre-treatment can minimise this risk, but regular follow-up is still essential.
What symptoms should I watch for after LASIK?
New floaters, flashes of light, or a dark curtain over your vision are warning signs of retinal detachment. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice these symptoms.