What is the Difference Between Retinoschisis and Retinal Detachment?

Retinoschisis and retinal detachment are two distinct ocular conditions that can affect the retina. Here are the main differences between the two:

• Retinoschisis: This condition involves a splitting of the retinal layers, most often at the outer plexiform layer or the nerve fiber layer. The photoreceptors remain attached to the underlying retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), so there is no retinal detachment. Retinoschisis can be peripheral or degenerative and is thought to develop with the coalescence of cystic lesions. It rarely progresses posteriorly to encroach on the macula and can usually be observed. In some cases, a retinoschisis can cause a retinal detachment, but this is rare.
• Retinal Detachment: A retinal detachment occurs when the neurosensory retina separates from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). This condition almost always progresses if left untreated. Retinal detachment can be caused by various factors, such as a retinal break that allows fluid from the vitreous cavity to gain access to the potential space between the neurosensory retina and RPE.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) images can help differentiate between the two conditions. In retinal detachment, the full-thickness neurosensory retina separates from the RPE, while in retinoschisis, the splitting occurs within the retinal layers without the full-thickness separation of the neurosensory retina from the RPE.

Comparative Table: Retinoschisis vs Retinal Detachment

Retinoschisis and retinal detachment are two different eye conditions that can affect the retina. Here is a table outlining the differences between the two:

Differentiating between retinoschisis and retinal detachment is important for proper diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, both conditions can appear as elevated peripheral lesions, but the characteristics mentioned above can help differentiate the two.