juvenile retinoschisis

juvenile retinoschisis

n.

A hereditary retinoschisis occurring in children under the age of 10 and characterized by cyst development within the nerve fiber layer of the retina, often with macular involvement.

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retinoschisis 

A vitreoretinal degeneration characterized by splitting of the retina into two layers. It occurs either as a hereditary disease or as an acquired condition (70% of these patients are hyperopic). The X-linked hereditary condition (called juvenile retinoschisis) affects only males and usually involves the macula with loss of central vision. The congenital condition is characterized by a splitting of the nerve fibre layer from the retina whereas the acquired form, which is the most common, results in a splitting at the outer plexiform layer. The latter usually begins in the temporal periphery appearing as a coalescence of microcystoid degenerations with a smooth transparent elevation and associated with an absolute scotoma. The condition may spread to involve the entire peripheral fundus. Holes in the two layers are common and are a sign of progression. The inner layer contains blood vessels and sometimes has small whitish flakes on it, which are called 'snowflakes'.