OPTIC DISK PIT MACULOPATHY-LIKE RETINOSCHISIS WITHOUT A CLINICALLY VISIBLE OPTIC DISK PIT

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to describe the structural and clinical characteristics of optic disk pit maculopathy-like retinoschisis without a clinically visible optic disk pit and discuss possible pathogenesis and treatment.

Methods: This retrospective observational case series reviewed 20 eyes in 19 patients diagnosed with peripapillary retinoschisis without a visible optic disk pit. Patients were divided into three groups according to the management method: observation, intraocular pressure control, and vitrectomy. Clinical features, optical coherence tomography findings, and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

Results: Eighteen patients had unilateral retinoschisis, and one had bilateral involvement. Initial mean best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40. Eight eyes had glaucoma, and 11 eyes had posterior vitreous detachment. Optical coherence tomography revealed foveal detachment in five eyes and abnormal lamina cribrosa findings in all 20 eyes, including focal lamina cribrosa defects and lamina cribrosa disinsertions. The vitrectomy group showed improvement in best-corrected visual acuity and central foveal thickness compared with the observation and intraocular pressure control groups ( P = 0.016 and 0.011, respectively).

Conclusion: Lamina cribrosa defects were associated with peripapillary retinoschisis without a visible optic disk pit. Vitrectomy may play a role in managing retinoschisis in eyes with peripapillary retinoschisis without a visible optic disk pit.