Overview
Degenerative retinoschisis refers to a splitting of the neurosensory retina in the periphery. This splitting may occur either in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) – the “typical” or “flat” form – or in the retinal nerve fibre layer – the “reticular” or “bullous” form.
Degenerative retinoschisis typically occurs in the mid-peripheral retina of middle aged patients. There are no known genetic associations and this condition is typically associated with an absolute scotoma on visual field testing.
There is also a congenital condition associated with retinoschisis - X-linked congenital retinoschisis. This condition arises from a defect in the XLRS1 gene which codes for retinoschisin – a protein that mediates interactions between photoreceptors, bipolar and Muller cells.
More information about each of these conditions is available by using the links at the bottom of this page.