Efficacy of sustained topical dorzolamide therapy for cystic macular lesions in patients with X-linked retinoschisis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of sustained topical therapy with dorzolamide hydrochloride, 2%, on visual acuity and cystic macular lesions in patients with juvenile X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS).

DESIGN: Retrospective analysis.

SETTING: University hospital, tertiary care referral center.

PATIENTS: Twenty-nine eyes of 15 patients with XLRS receiving treatment with the topical dorzolamide formulation for 4 to 41 months were enrolled.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in visual acuity, cystic macular lesions, and central foveal zone thickness on optical coherence tomography during follow-up for the duration of treatment.

RESULTS: Among the 15 patients with XLRS, 20 eyes (69%) of 11 patients showed a positive response to treatment. Five of the 20 eyes (25%) in 3 of the 11 patients showed an initial response and a subsequent rebound of macular cysts. In 4 eyes (14%) of 3 patients, there was no response to treatment, but the macular cysts did not worsen compared with the baseline level. In 5 additional eyes (17%) of 4 patients, there was no response to treatment, and the macular cysts worsened when compared with the baseline level. Sixteen eyes (55%) of 12 patients had improvement in best-corrected visual acuity by at least 7 letters in at least 1 eye at the most recent follow-up visit. Seventeen eyes (59%) of 10 patients showed a reduction in the central foveal zone thickness in at least 1 eye when compared with the pretreatment level.

CONCLUSION: Patients with XLRS have the potential to experience a beneficial effect from sustained treatment with dorzolamide, 2%.