CYSTIC DEGENERATION OF THE RETINA

The cystic spaces commonly seen in the retina at the ora serrata have been discussed in the literature over a long period of years. This paper deals with cystic degeneration in the posterior portion of the retina. However much the cystic degenerations in the two locations may resemble one another anatomically, they occur independently. The presence of one has no influence on that of the other.

CLASSIFICATION

The microscopic specimens used in this study embrace practically every condition in the pathology of the eye. The cavities may be classified as follows :

• According to Location.—The following classification is made according to the location of the cavities :

  1. With reference to the optic nerve. The spaces are more pronounced on the temporal side, to which region they may be confined. They usually form a circumpapillary system.

  2. With reference to the macular region. The largest spaces are invariably found immediately at the