Human biochemical components in retinoschisis and detachment.

Degenerative retinoschisis and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment are disorders that originate in the peripheral part of the retina. Both of these disorders are associated with biochemical processes that result in the finding of metabolic products within fluid-filled spaces. An attempt at biochemical differentiation of these two retinal disorders is described. Cholesterol, phospholipids, and proteins were present in the fluid samples, but low-density lipoproteins were not found. It is suggested that the cholesterol-to-phospholipid ratio may reflect the degree of retinal cellular destruction.