Long-term Results of Vision and Fundus Findings in X-linked Juvenile Retinoschisis

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term changes in visual acuity, fundus findings and complications in X-linked juvenile retinoschisis. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 48 patients diagnosed with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis and followed for a minimum of 12 months. RESULTS: Forty-eight males (mean age 5.7 years) were followed for a mean of 6.3 years. The mean visual acuities were 0.14 at the initial and most recent examinations without significant change (p=0.67). Macular abnormalities were seen in all eyes. Macular lesions varied as follows decreased foveal reflex (12.5%), typical foveal schisis (77.1%), atrophic change (5.2%), and macula-involving peripheral schisis (5.2%). When patients had different macular findings, the mean visual acuities were significantly different among groups (p< or =0.005), except those between the atrophic change group and the macula-involving peripheral schisis group. Peripheral schisis was detected in 66% of patients. The fundus findings were stationary during the follow-up period except in complicated cases with vitreous hemorrhage (15.6%). CONCLUSIONS: X-linked juvenile retinoschisis causes bilateral visual acuity loss, affecting maculae. In uncomplicated cases, changes in visual acuity and fundus findings were not significant during the follow-up period.