retinoschisis /ret·i·nos·chi·sis/ (ret″ĭ-nos´kĭ-sis) splitting of the retina, occurring in the nerve fiber layer (juvenile form), or in the external plexiform layer (adult form) .
retinoschisis
ret·i·nos·chi·sis (r t n- s k -ss)n. Degeneration of the retina causing splitting and the formation of cysts between retinal layers. |
retinoschisis
[ret′i·nos′ki·sis]
Etymology: L, rete, net + schisis, cleavage
splitting of the retina. In the juvenile form the splitting occurs in the nerve fiber layer (stratum opticum), and in the adult form in the outer plexiform layer. The disorder is usually more benign and slowly progressive than retinal detachment. Compare retinal detachment.
retinoschisis
splitting of the retina.
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'.
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