Most of the retina’s surface is the peripheral retina. The peripheral retina is used for side vision, otherwise called peripheral vision. Some people have areas of weakness and degeneration in the peripheral retina, known as lattice degeneration. These may or may not have retinal holes associated with them. In some situations these weak areas can lead to retinal tears.

Typically, lattice degeneration cause no visual side effects and are incidentally seen on a routine eye exam. Lattice degeneration with holes or retinal tears in the areas of lattice degeneration can potentially lead to retinal detachment which is a vision threatening condition.