At the back of the eye is a layer of tissue called the retina. Cone and rod cells make up this structure, which processes light entering the eye through the pupil. The optic nerve carries visual impulses from the retina to the brain. When the retina separates into two layers, a disease known as retinoschisis takes place that impairs vision.
A layer of retinal cells divides into two in persons with retinoschisis. Depending on where in the retina it occurs, this anomaly can have a variety of effects on vision.
Retinoschisis comes in a variety of forms, both inherited and degenerative.
People who are born with the condition most likely have an X-linked juvenile retinoschisis-type of hereditary retinoschisis. Degenerative retinoschisis is the term for the disease when it progresses with aging.
A person’s vision may suffer from retinaschisis. Depending on where the disease develops in the retina, it will damage vision differently.
For instance, the macula, a region of the retina, is responsible for producing center vision AND allows one to see shapes and colors directly in front of them. The macula may be harmed by retinal schisis, impairing central vision .Daily tasks like reading or driving can be challenging when there are issues with the center of vision.
Peripheral vision issues due to retinoschisis can potentially impact cells outside of the macula. These problems make it challenging for someone to see things that are off-center.
Depending on the kind, retinoschisis has different causes.
A mutation in the RS1 gene causes the majority of juvenile retinoschisis cases. The instructions required by the body to produce retinoschisin are found in this gene. According to studies, this protein keeps the retina functioning properly.
The retina may begin to separate when there is less retinoschisin as a result of this mutation. This split, which affects central vision, frequently takes place in the macular region. Less is known about the cause of juvenile retinoschisis in those lacking RS1 gene abnormalities.
As people age, degenerative retinoschisis develops. Similar to the cause, the condition’s prevalence is higher in older persons.
Genetics is the main source of risk for juvenile retinoschisis. A family history of retinoschisis increases a person’s risk of developing it.
The biggest risk factor for degenerative retinoschisis is age. Retinoschisis is more common in people over the age of 50.
People who have a higher risk of acquiring other eye conditions may also be more likely to develop retinoschisis. For instance, injuries to the eye, eye surgery, severe nearsightedness and diabetes that affects blood vessels in the retina are some risk factors for retinal detachment.
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