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• Glaucoma Drug Improves Vision in People with X-Linked Retinoschisis
• Posted: 2010-12-05 13:37:07 By Michael P
• Glaucoma Drug Improves Vision in People with X-Linked Retinoschisis from http://www.lowvision.com/glaucoma-drug-improves-vision-in-people-with-x-linked-retinoschisis/
  
  Glaucoma Drug Improves Vision in People with X-Linked Retinoschisis
  Fishman notes that additional patients will be studied to better determine the effectiveness of dorzolamide in the treatment of retinoschisis..
  
  By Ben A. Shaberman
  09/18/2006
  
  An FDA-approved drug used to treat glaucoma may help improve retinal health and restore some vision in people with X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS).
  
  In an FFB-funded study conducted by Gerald Fishman, M.D., University of Illinois at Chicago, seven of eight people with XLRS who were treated with the glaucoma drug dorzolamide had improvement in the health of their fovea—a small pit in the center of the retina critical for central and detailed vision. In exams using an eye chart, five of the eight study participants had at least seven letters of improvement in visual acuity in at least one eye.
  
  Fishman notes that five patients reported that “their vision was clearer and that images were distinctly brighter.” He also believes that dorzolamide treatment might slow vision loss in the long run for most patients who had improvement in their foveal health, even if they don’t experience short-run visual acuity improvement.
  
  In the study, patients used two percent dorzolamide eye drops three times daily in each eye. Improvements in foveal health were observed after one to three months of treatment.
  
  Fishman notes that additional patients will be studied to better determine the effectiveness of dorzolamide in the treatment of retinoschisis.
  
  Results of the study were published in the September 2006 issue of the journal Retina.
  
  Retinoschisis is caused by a variation in a gene called RS1, which prevents retinal cells from making the retinoschisin protein, a glue-like substance that holds layers of the retina together. Over time, the condition causes splitting of the inner retina. Some patients may develop a retinal detachment or vitreal hemorrhage, which can cause substantial vision loss. Retinoschisis is an X-linked disease and therefore only affects males, and is passed down to them by their mothers who are unaffected (i.e., they are carriers). The disease is usually first diagnosed in boys between five and 10 years of age.
  
  Mike P

• Posted: 2011-05-11 12:17:49 By Richard D
• Thanks for the info Mike! Is this something that people with the disease should try?

• In my opinion yes.
• Posted: 2011-05-20 08:05:46 By Michael P
• Hi Richard,
  
  Trusopt is the one eye drop that shows promise for helping and even improving vision. I would give it a trial and see if vision acuity improve with shrinking of the cysts. One or both are significant improvements. MP

• Posted: 2011-05-24 04:15:58 By Kim L
• My Son tried Trusopt and Azopt for some time, with no improvement in his scans, one eye actually slightly worsened. He was removed from them due to the lack of improvement unfortunetly. Hope you have better luck with them! He did them three times a day as well.

• Results
• Posted: 2011-05-29 11:40:15 By Michael P
• Hi Kim,
  
  I understand that a small percentage of us do not respond to dorzolamide. It may be that there is a change in the gene. Have your doctor share this information with Dr Fishman in Chicago and your doctor can also consult with Dr Fishman to determine if there are other options.
  
  All the best and sorry that the condition is deteriating.
  
  MikeP