Myopic Foveoschisis

Excerpt

Myopic foveoschisis, also known as myopic traction maculopathy (MTM) or myopic macular schisis, is a relatively rare entity that affects eyes with pathological myopia (-6.00 diopters or more of myopia). These eyes often have a posterior staphyloma, which has been implicated as an etiologic factor in the pathogenesis of MTM. Patients with myopic foveoschisis usually present with a gradual, often progressive, painless diminution of vision in either or both eyes, which may be affected simultaneously or sequentially (see Image. Traction on the Internal Limiting Membrane: Temporal to Fovea). Foveoschisis was first described by Takano and Kishi in 1999 as a split in the layers of the retina at the fovea in eyes with posterior staphyloma. In the past, diagnosing MTM was difficult because of high myopic eyes offering a poor contrast when examined by an ophthalmoscope. With the addition of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, the early recognition and prompt treatment of myopic foveoschisis have been made possible.