Cobblestone degeneration, also known as pavingstone degeneration, is a common, benign condition that affects the peripheral retina. It typically occurs naturally as part of the aging process and rarely causes any vision problems.
What Happens in Cobblestone Degeneration?
In cobblestone degeneration, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) – a layer of cells that nourishes the retina – begins to thin and degenerate in the peripheral areas. This creates a patchy appearance with areas of atrophy (cell death) that resemble cobblestones or paving stones. These patches may be yellow-white in color and are often surrounded by pigmented borders.
Causes and Risk Factors
What causes cobblestone degeneration? There are a few factors that contribute to this benign condition.
- Aging: The primary risk factor for cobblestone degeneration is age. It’s more common in individuals over 50.
- Genetics: There may be a genetic component to the condition, as it sometimes runs in families.
- Myopia: People with nearsightedness (myopia) may be slightly more prone to developing cobblestone degeneration.
Symptoms and Detection
Most people with cobblestone degeneration experience no symptoms. It’s often detected during a routine dilated eye exam. Your ophthalmologist can identify characteristic peripheral retinal changes during this examination.
Should I Be Concerned?
In most cases, cobblestone degeneration is a harmless condition that doesn’t require treatment. It rarely progresses to affect central vision and typically doesn’t cause vision loss. However, it’s crucial to differentiate cobblestone degeneration from other, more serious retinal conditions.
When to Seek Further Evaluation
While generally benign, it’s important to have regular eye exams, especially if you notice any changes in your vision, such as:
- New flashes of light
- Increase in floaters
- Peripheral vision loss
These symptoms could indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which requires immediate medical attention.
If you have any concerns about cobblestone degeneration or your eye health, schedule an appointment with one of our experienced retinal specialists at Retina and Vitreous Surgeons of Utah (RVSU).