Abstract
A patient presented to retina clinic at Bascom Palmer for a second opinion after being told he needed urgent retinal surgery by an outside retinal specialist. Exam disclosed inferotemporal retinal elevation with B-scan concerning for retinal detachment. OCT cross-section through the area of elevation revealed splitting of the retinal layers consistent with a diagnosis of retinoschisis. Retinoschisis is an entity that falls into two main subtypes: juvenile (X-linked) or degenerative (senile) retinoschisis. Time of onset is much earlier in life in juvenile retinoschisis which is characterized most notably by macular schisis. Degenerative retinoschisis often is diagnosed later in life in an asymptomatic patient; however, detachments may occur through outer retinal holes below the schisis cavity that then track to the sub-retinal space. Observation is the mainstay of treatment unless progression or retinal detachment occur.
Presentation Date: 07/16/2026
Issue Date: 09/25/2026
