Axial Length as a Key Risk Factor for Lattice Degeneration: A Large-Sample Retrospective Analysis.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Ocular Biometrics

Background:

• Lattice degeneration (LD) is a critical precursor to retinal detachment, a condition leading to significant vision loss.
• Early identification of LD is crucial for effective risk assessment and management of potential vision-threatening complications.
• This study investigates the link between LD and ocular/demographic factors to develop a predictive risk framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the associations between lattice degeneration (LD) and ocular biometric parameters.
• To explore demographic factors related to LD prevalence.
• To establish a risk assessment framework for identifying individuals at high risk of retinal detachment.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 1776 subjects from a larger screened population (7634 individuals).
• Comprehensive ophthalmic examinations were performed.
• Statistical analyses included Chi-square tests and univariate/multivariate logistic regression to identify risk factors.

Main Results:

• The overall prevalence of lattice degeneration (LD) was 13.3%, with unilateral cases more common than bilateral.
• LD prevalence was higher in myopic individuals (15.5%) compared to non-myopic (10.5%).
• Age, axial length (AL), AL/corneal radius ratio (AL/CR), and spherical equivalent (SE) were positively correlated with LD risk. Increased AL was a significant independent risk factor (OR=1.53 per 1.00 mm increase).

Conclusions:

• Lattice degeneration (LD) prevalence stands at 13.3%, with axial length (AL) identified as a key independent risk factor.
• Individuals with elongated AL should undergo peripheral retinal screening.
• Early detection through screening enables timely prophylactic treatment for those at high risk of retinal detachment.