DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT FOR DEGENERATIVE RETINOSCHISIS OF MEDIUM TO HIGH MYOPIA IN YOUNG ADULTS PRIOR TO LASER-ASSISTED IN SITU KERATOMILEUSIS SURGERY

Objective To discuss the characteristics of degenerative retinoschisis in young adults with medium to high myopia prior to laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis(LASIX) surgery and the significance of preventive photocoagulation.Methods A total of 32 eyes in 19 patients suffering from myopia combined with degenerative retinoschisis were included.The mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0.82±0.13 and the mean spherical equivalent of the subjective refraction was -(6.50±3.98) Diopter. The patients underwent preventive photocoagulation 1 month before the laser surgery for myopia.Results All the eyes that received preventive photocoagulation for retinoschisis had no further progression or retinal detachment during 4-year period of follow-up.Conclusion The degenerative retinoschisis in young adults should be recognized and treated with preventive photocoagulation.This may prevent further damage of visual field and other complications of slowly progressive retinoschisis after LASIK surgery.