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Retinoschisis

Retinoschisis is the term given to a fairly common condition in which the peripheral retina degenerates to form a cyst like cavity within the retinal layers. In the vast majority of cases the cysts do not progress to a true retinal detachment or involve central vision in any way. In the few case where progression does occur to retinal detachment, surgery can be very challenging but routine prophylactic laser or other treatment is not thought to be of benefit. The condition frequently affects the inferior retina in both eyes and is not thought to be hereditary. It is usually picked up as an asymptomatic finding during a visit to the opticians and is thought to be commoner in long-sighted people.