Laser treatment of macular retinoschisis due to acquired optic nerve pit from glaucoma

Macular retinoschisis can be caused by acquired optic nerve pit from glaucoma. This study evaluated the efficacy of laser treatment for this disorder. We report on five eyes from three patients with macular retinoschisis and a history of glaucoma. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography was used for diagnosis and follow-up. Treatment was performed with barrier laser on the temporal margin of the optic nerve. Following treatment, patients' average vision improved by 1 line on the Snellen chart at average follow-up of 12.3 months. All five eyes showed significant improvement in macular retinoschisis. The tracts connecting the optic pit to the retinoschisis completely closed in three eyes and nearly closed in two eyes. These cases demonstrate that laser photocoagulation is an effective treatment of macular retinoschisis from acquired optic nerve pit. It can serve as first-line treatment before more invasive options such as vitrectomy are considered.