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Vitrectomy may prevent vision deterioration in progressive X-linked retinoschisis
Patients with progressive X-linked retinoschisis may benefit from vitrectomy to preserve retinal structure and visual function, according to a study.
The prospective case series examined 28 eyes of 22 patients with progressive X-linked retinoschisis. Vitrectomy was performed in 17 patients, while 11 patients comprised a nonsurgical group. The mean follow-up time for both groups was 34.7 months.
In the vitrectomy group, macular schisis resolved in all eyes, and the mean area of the macular schisis cavity decreased from 0.85 mm² at baseline to 0.23 mm² at final follow-up (P = .000). Mean best corrected visual acuity increased from 20/125 at baseline to 20/55 at final follow-up (P = .001).
In the nonsurgical group, the retinal schisis extended progressively in nine eyes (82%), and the mean area of the macular schisis cavity increased from 0.82 mm² at baseline to 1.21 mm² at final follow-up (P = .000). Mean BCVA decreased from 20/100 at baseline to 20/400 at final follow-up (P = .000).
“Until now, no satisfying treatment has been available to halt the formation and development of schisis in patients with X-linked retinoschisis,” the study authors said. “However, the patients with progressive X-linked retinoschisis who underwent vitrectomy before complications occurred received encouraging and favorable effects, with a low incidence (12%) of postoperative complications after a long-term follow-up.”