Comments and Conclusions

  • Senile retinoschisis (SR) is a primary, acquired, generally nonprogressive condition characterized by splitting of the neurosensory retina, typically at the outer plexiform layer.2,5,6
  • The size of a senile retinoschisis can vary from small to large. To the best of our knowledge, the retinoschisis presented in Case 1 is the largest reported in literature.
  • Although SR is more common in patients older than 40 yrs, it has been reported in patients in the third decade (20-30 yrs).5
  • SR develops from the coalescence of intraretinal microcysts located in an area of peripheral cystoid degeneration near the ora serrata and extends posteriorly and circumferentially (see page 16). This process leads to the splitting of the retina at the outer plexiform layer or, less commonly, at the inner nuclear layer.5
  • The reported prevalence of retinoschisis ranges from 1.65% to 7% among persons older than 40 years of age, but has been reported to be as high as 22% in some studies.5,7
  • Retinoschisis in a small minority of cases has a tendency to gradually enlarge. This progression, when present, is usually slow and almost never reaches the macula.4