

It's a genetic disease of the retina that almost always affects both eyes (bilateral).

Juvenile retinoschisis (or congenital X-linked retinoschisis) is a hereditary eye disorder. American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2. The prevalence rate of degenerative retinoschisis is 4% of people aged 40 years and up. Many people with this eye disorder do well and only require a follow-up. Many times, it involves the peripheral retina. In typical cases of degenerative retinoschisis, there is a shallow rise of inner retinal layers.ĭisease progression is not typical. This is when there's loosening of a thin layer in the retina. It can occur after a referral to a retinal specialist under the presumptive diagnosis of retinal detachment. A person with degenerative retinoschisis may be asymptomatic. But it can also appear in some people at an earlier age. This eye disorder affects both males and females in middle age. Health professionals may use the following terms to describe senile retinoschisis: These may point toward more specified forms of retinoschisis, such as: 1. If you've been diagnosed with amblyopia, an experienced ophthalmologist can rule it out.Įye doctors can detect specific clinical characteristics and health conditions. Speak with an ophthalmologist if retinoschisis runs in your family. Retinoschisis may be confused with other eye diseases. Some people with retinoschisis may be eligible for specific treatments. It's crucial to visit an eye care specialist for:ĭifferent diagnostic tools are available. Considered as the more serious form of retinoschisis.Both eyes are almost always affected (bilateral affectation).The common features of this type of retinoschisis are: Usually occurs from middle age and beyond.The common characteristics of senile retinoschisis include: Primary Forms of RetinoschisisĪdditionally, there are different types of retinoschisis. This is if the inner layer of nerve cells breaks off from the outer layer of cells. Peripheral visionĪ person with retinoschisis can lose some peripheral vision. When this occurs, glasses or contact lenses won't be able to improve visual acuity. They form between the separated layers of the retina and damaged nerve tissue. The decreased vision happens because of tiny cysts (sac-like blisters).
#LAYERS OF RETINA FREE#
Visit the Heidelberg Engineering Academy to claim your FREE Retinal Layers Handout.Retina splitting can cause slow vision loss in one of the following: Center of vision (fovea)Ī person with impaired central vision can have visual acuity (sharpness) between 20/30 and 20/200. In conclusion, it is important to have an appreciation of retinal anatomy and physiology combined with a multimodality imaging approach for the correct management and referral of patients with eye disease. Exudates are usually located in or adjacent to the outer plexiform layer because they are lipid residues that originate from damaged capillaries found in the inner retina whereas drusen are deposits located between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch’s membrane because the RPE is not functioning correctly. For example, exudates and drusen often look similar with an ophthalmoscope or in fundus photos, but can be differentiated easily based on their location in the retinal layers. It is important to be able to identify and distinguish the different layers of the retina when interpreting OCT scans as identifying an abnormality in a specific layer of the retina can assist the clinician in refining their differential diagnosis. The various layers appear as either bright (hyperreflective) or dark (hyporeflective) bands depending on whether the layer is reflecting or absorbing light. The inner retina consists of the internal limiting membrane through to the external limiting membrane, and the outer retina consists of the photoreceptor layers through to the choroid. In a high quality, high resolution OCT scan, at least 13 retinal layers can be identified, the names of which are now widely accepted clinically (see image). Two decades since its introduction, OCT has become indispensable for research, screening, diagnosing, and monitoring diseases of the macula and optic nerve head.
