What is Senile Retinoschisis

Senile retinoschisis is a condition that may cause changes in vision or loss of vision. It usually affects both eyes. This condition happens when the light-sensing cells at the back of the eye (retina) split from the layer of cells that send vision signals to the brain.

Fluid-filled sacs (cysts) can form in these split areas, which thickens the retina. These changes generally affect side vision (peripheral vision) but may also affect vision that is needed to focus straight ahead (central vision). This condition may cause you to have trouble seeing fine details.

In some cases, this condition can lead to other problems, such as bleeding into the eye or separation of the retina from the back of the eye (retinal detachment). If this happens, it can cause more severe vision loss or even blindness.

What are the causes?

The cause of this condition is not known.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in people who are 40 years of age or older.

What are the signs or symptoms?

In many cases, there are no symptoms of this condition. You may notice that your side vision (peripheral vision) is slightly fuzzy. In more severe cases, or if a retinal detachment develops, patients may notice distorted vision, flashes, floaters, or central vision loss.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is usually diagnosed by an eye specialist (ophthalmologist). It is sometimes found during a routine eye exam. Tests will be done to help confirm the diagnosis. These may include:

• Checking the retina with a device for viewing inside the eye (ophthalmoscope).
• Measuring the electrical response of the retina to flashing lights (electroretinogram, or ERG).
• Taking images of the retina using light waves (optical coherence tomography, or OCT).
• A B-scan ultrasound. This may be helpful if the view of the retina is poor.

How is this treated?

There is no cure for this condition, but treatment can help manage complications and prevent further vision loss. You will need to have regular eye exams to make sure that you are not developing a retinal detachment or other eye problems. If a retinal detachment develops, it may need to be surgically repaired.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Ask your health care provider if you need visual services at home.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about any activity restrictions. You may have to avoid contact sports.
• Do not drive or use heavy machinery until your health care provider approves. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
  • You will need regular vision exams to make sure that you are not developing a retinal detachment or other eye problems.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have changes in your vision over time.

Get help right away if:

• You have any sudden change in vision.
• You suddenly see:
  • Flashing lights off to the side.
  • Floating dark specks in front of your field of vision.

Summary

• Senile retinoschisis is a condition that may cause changes in vision or loss of vision. It usually affects both eyes.
• There is no cure for this condition, but treatment can help manage complications and prevent further vision loss.
• You will need to have regular eye exams to make sure that you are not developing a retinal detachment or other eye problems.