Optic Disc Coloboma-associated Macular Schisis with Functional Recovery following Laser Therapy

Abstract

Optic disc coloboma-associated maculopathy is a rare cause of visual impairment characterized by intraretinal schisis due to anomalous communication between the optic nerve head and retinal layers. A 36-year-old female patient presented with diminution of vision in the left eye with best-corrected visual acuity of 6/24 on October 24, 2024. Fundus examination revealed optic disc coloboma with peripapillary excavation. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) demonstrated multilayer macular schisis with suspected disc–macula communication. Barrage laser photocoagulation was performed. Vision improved from 6/24 to 6/9 at 1 month, remained stable at 6/9 in January 2025, and further improved to 6/7.5 by March 2026. Early OCT-guided diagnosis and targeted laser therapy may result in favorable anatomical and functional outcomes in selected nontractional cases. The prolonged 17-month follow-up demonstrating sustained visual improvement and anatomical stability highlights the durability of the treatment response.