Degenerative Retinoschisis

Degenerative Retinoschisis
  • Peripheral splitting of the retinal nerve fiber layer, most commonly between inner nuclear and outer plexiform layer.

Clinical Features

  • Symptoms: mostly asymptomatic but may be associated with large peripheral visual field defect in advanced cases.
  • Signs:
    • Usually bilateral, located inferotemporally and very-slowly progressive.
    • Well-circumscribed, dome-shaped elevation of the inner retina which extends anteriorly towards the ora serrata.
    • The retinal surface usually appears normal but may frequently have sheathed vessels and whitish snowflake opacities.
    • May be complicated by retinal breaks, hole formation on either the inner or outer retinal layer, retinal detachment or macular compromise if the schisis advances posteriorly.

Management

  • Observation for asymptomatic cases.
  • Treatment is only indicated in symptomatic cases or cases with progressive retinal detachment.