The management of retinal detachment complicating degenerative retinoschisis

We repaired six retinal detachments complicating degenerative retinoschisis by using simultaneous external subretinal fluid drainage and intraocular gas injection without a scleral buckle or vitrectomy. The outer wall breaks were 30 to 135 degrees in size, and in three cases, extended close to the arcade vessels. We achieved retinal reattachment and collapse of the schisis cavity at surgery in all six cases. In one case, the retina redetached postoperatively, but it was repaired with a scleral buckle and gas injection. This technique simplified the management of retinal detachments complicating degenerative retinoschisis, particularly those with large or posterior outer-layer breaks.