About Dr. Anshu Sahai Expertise All queries related to : Cataract, Phacoemulsification, Glaucoma, Squint, Amblyopia, LASIK, LASEK, Retina, Diabetic Retinopathy
Experience 10 years
Organizations Dr.R.M.Sahai Memorial Institute of Ophthalmology,
a unit of
Sahai Hospital & Research Centre,Jaipur
Expert: Dr. Anshu Sahai Date: 6/26/2008 Subject: Cornea lattice Degeneration
Question Hi,
I am 27 and I had Lasik surgery 5 years ago. Yesterday, I went to an Opthalmologist and was told that I have Cornea Lattice Degeneration. Did my Lasik surgery caused cornea degeneration? Is Cornea Degeneration same as Retina Degeneration? I am going to lose my vision eventually because of that?
Thanks
Answer Dear Sanaz,
Are you sure that your doctor said lattice degeneration of the cornea ??
Normally we use the term lattice degeneration for the retina, whereas when we talk about the cornea the correct term is lattice dystrophy.
Lattice degeneration of the retina is usually caused by the same factor causing your myopia (I presume that you had myopia since you underwent Lasik.). Retinal lattice can easily be managed by simple retinal laser (if required), which would prevent the spread of damage and reduce the possibility of retinal detachment. If properly managed, the chances of losing your eyesight is very remote.
Corneal Lattice dystrophy is usually a genetic disorder, becoming evident in the 2nd to 3rd decade of life. Typically an eye doctor/optometrist would describe to you a branching filament like pattern seen in the middle layers of the cornea. These filaments are a result of deposition of a substance called amyloid. This condition may eventually lead to disturbance in vision and other problems. To the best of my knowledge, there is no evidence to suggest that Lasik may cause a corneal lattice dystrophy
I hope this clarifies the distinction between retinal and corneal lattice.
About the issue of loosing your vision- More severe forms of corneal lattice may result in significant visual disturbance sooner or later. But this does not mean that you will loose your vision. Various treatment options can be exercised as and when needed, including Excimer Laser (Photo-therapeutic keratectomy) and even Keratoplasty (replacing the cornea).
The key to management of your condition (irrespective of which one of the above) would remain regular check up (preferably at least once a year) with a good eye doctor, and treatment by laser as and when required.
Keeping the high cost of consultation and treatment in mind, I would strongly suggest that you make sure you have a good medical insurance coverage & possibly keep some money saved on the side (just in case !!).
I wish you all the best & hope this answers your query. However please feel free to write back again.
Regards
Dr. Anshu Sahai
Dr.R.M.Sahai Memorial Institute of Ophthalmology
Jaipur, India
www.sahaihospital.com
PS: Dear Sanaz, I am unable to respond to your query when submitted in a comment form. Please resend your query as a follow up to previous question
