Retinoschisis

Retinoschisis is a medical condition characterized by the splitting of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. This condition can lead to severe vision loss and is often diagnosed in childhood, although it can also occur later in life.

Causes

Retinoschisis is usually caused by mutations in the RS1 gene. This gene provides instructions for making a protein that is essential for the structure and function of the retina. Mutations in the RS1 gene disrupt the normal organization of the retina, leading to the characteristic splitting seen in retinoschisis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of retinoschisis can vary widely, but often include blurred vision, difficulty with fine detail vision (such as reading or recognizing faces), and peripheral vision loss. In severe cases, retinoschisis can lead to retinal detachment, a serious condition that can cause permanent vision loss.

Diagnosis

Retinoschisis is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. This may include a visual acuity test, a dilated eye exam, and optical coherence tomography (OCT), a non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to take cross-section pictures of the retina.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for retinoschisis, but treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment options may include eye glasses or contact lenses to correct vision problems, and regular monitoring to detect and treat complications such as retinal detachment.

See also

• Retina
• Retinal detachment
• RS1 gene