Senile retinoschisis (RS), also known as acquired or degenerative retinoschisis, is a primary, acquired, gradual splitting of the retina into at least 2 distinct layers. This condition is not senile or age related, as it has been reported in patients in the third decade of life (20-30 years).
Senile retinoschisis develops from the coalescence of intraretinal microcysts located in an area of peripheral cystoid degeneration near the ora serrata and extends posteriorly and circumferentially. This process leads to the splitting of the retina at the outer plexiform layer or, less commonly, at the inner nuclear layer.
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The prevalence of senile retinoschisis is high in the normal population (4-22% of individuals older than 40 years).
Often, no visual changes occur, but retinal detachment may occur in a small percentage of patients, leading to visual field defects and/or decreased visual acuity.
Visual field defects may manifest as the schisis cavity extends posteriorly.
The schisis cavity may remain stable or slowly progress over several years.
Retinal detachment may result after the development of retinal holes in both the inner layer and outer layer of the schisis cavity or in the outer layer alone (16%).
The occurrence of senile retinoschisis is approximately equal in males and females.
Senile retinoschisis is more common in patients older than 30 years, but it has been reported in patients younger than 30 years.
In a long-term follow-up study (n=946), the age-standardized prevalence of retinoschisis was 3.9% (95% confidence interval, 2.6-5.2) in persons aged 60-80 years.[1]
In a large study conducted by Byer, no change in visual acuity occurred over 9 years (from extension of senile retinoschisis or retinal detachment).[2]
Generally, senile retinoschisis does not progress. About 3.2-13.5% of cases progress within 9-10 years of diagnosis.
Even with anatomic correction, the visual field deficits are permanent.
Patients with senile retinoschisis should be informed about symptoms of retinal detachment.
In the initial stages of senile retinoschisis, patients are generally asymptomatic; however, in the advanced stage of the disease, patients may complain of photopsia, floaters, and visual field loss.
Examination of senile retinoschisis is completed by using indirect ophthalmoscopy with scleral depression. Goldmann lens/slit lamp biomicroscopy examination also may be performed. Examination reveals the following findings:
A low clinical risk exists of retinal detachment or extension into the posterior pole, leading to an absolute field defect.
Other tests used to evaluate senile retinoschisis include the following:
Two histologic types of senile retinoschisis have been identified.
Flat type also is termed typical degenerative retinoschisis. Characteristics of this type include splitting at the outer plexiform layer, usually confined anterior to the equator, and not associated with holes.
Bullous type also is termed reticular degenerative retinoschisis. Characteristics of this type include splitting in the nerve fiber layer, often extends posterior to the equator, and often has outer layer holes that may lead to retinal detachment when associated with inner layer holes.
Surgery does not reestablish neuronal integrity of the split retina; therefore, it does not improve visual loss secondary to senile retinoschisis. Rarely, spontaneous resolution has been reported.
Surgery is undertaken to prevent retinal detachment, when inner and outer retinal holes are found without retinal detachment.
Surgery is performed if retinoschisis is associated with a retinal detachment.
For senile retinoschisis extending into the posterior pole, the following 2 procedures can be performed:
Patients should have annual follow-up examinations for retinoschisis that is relatively flat, without breaks, and anterior to the equator.
Patients should receive follow-up care every 3-6 months for retinoschisis with breaks or with extension posterior to the equator; if patients remain stable, annual visits thereafter are indicated.
More frequent follow-up care is required in patients with symptoms of photopsia and floaters.