Cyst formation in optic disc pit maculopathy

Purpose: To evaluate the presence and the evolution of cyst formation in op tic disc pit maculopathy. Methods: In this prospective study, 18 cases with optic disc pit maculopathy were studied. Five of them showed cyst formatio n in the fovea at the initial examination. The fundus findings were documen ted with slit-lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and stereoscopic photography of the posterior pole. All 5 patients were treated with a macu lar scleral buckle procedure. Results: The presence of cysts in the elevate d macula depends on the grade of the disease. Cyst formation can develop no t only in the later stage of the disease but also quite early. In all 5 pat ients cyst formation gradually decreased and finally disappeared after the surgical procedure. Conclusions: Cyst formation is an entity which accompan ies the macular detachment associated with optic disc pit. The development of the cysts has been noticed after the establishment of the schisis-like s eparation and before or in conjunction with the formation of a lamellar mac ular hole which usually accompanies the optic disc pit maculopathy.