Chromosomes are further sub-divided into many bands that are numbered.

Each chromosome has a short arm designated “p” and a long arm designated “q”. Males have one X and one Y chromosome and females have two X chromosomes. Pairs of human chromosomes are numbered from 1 through 22 and the sex chromosomes are designated X and Y. Human body cells normally have 46 chromosomes. The mutated gene responsible is located on the short arm of the X chromosome (Xp22.2-p22.1).Ĭhromosomes, which are present in the nucleus of human cells, carry the genetic information for each individual. Juvenile retinoschisis is transmitted genetically as an X-linked recessive trait. Although it often occurs in middle age or beyond, it may appear in individuals as young as 20. The cause of acquired retinoschisis is not known. A completely blind area (scotoma) with a sharp edge in the area where splitting (schisis) occurs is evident in the patient’s visual field. If a break develops in both the front and the back layers of the retina, a true retinal detachment may occur causing loss of parts of the field of vision. The retinal split often extends back over the area near the center of the visual field (macula).

This disorder may lead to retinal detachment. The acquired form may occur without symptoms (asymptomatic). The juvenile form is the more serious form of retinoschisis. Usually, and almost always with the juvenile form, both eyes are affected (bilateral). Peripheral vision is affected by the split of the retina into two layers, an inner layer of nerve cells and an outer layer of other cells. Prescribing eyeglasses cannot correct for the vision loss caused by such nerve damage. Very few people become totally blind from either form of the disorder, but some men with the juvenile form may ultimately have very poor vision.ĭecreased visual acuity is directly linked to the formation of small cysts that damage the nerves in the retina. There may also be a loss of peripheral vision. Retinoschisis is characterized by a reduction in visual acuity. 5 Myths About Orphan Drugs and the Orphan Drug Act.

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Retina layers