Purpose  

To evaluate the efficacy of vitrectomy for posterior retinoschisis (RS) or foveal detachment (FD) associated with posterior staphyloma in myopic eyes.

Methods  

We reviewed the records of 14 consecutive patients (53–77 years of age; 16 eyes) with progressive visual impairment as a result of myopic RS or FD. Optical coherence tomography demonstrated the presence of a variety of RS and FD characteristics. Five eyes had RS alone, and 11 eyes had RS and FD. Two eyes with RS and severe FD developed retinal detachment in conjunction with a tiny macular hole. Vitrectomy, including posterior vitreous separation in all eyes and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling in six eyes, had been performed. The patients were followed postoperatively for 6 to 66 months (mean, 24 months). The anatomical outcome and visual acuity were retrospectively analyzed in this study.

Results  

Although the two eyes with RS and severe FD developed retinal detachment with a macular hole after an initial vitrectomy, final retinal reattachment was achieved in all 16 eyes. Visual acuity improved in nine eyes and remained unchanged in seven eyes.

Conclusions  

Vitrectomy with posterior vitreous separation is effective for reattaching the macula and preventing a deterioration of vision, although eyes with RS and severe FD may be at risk for the development of a macular hole after the initial vitrectomy. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2006;50:53–61 © Japanese Ophthalmological Society 2006