Most cases of X-linked juvenile retinoschisis and degenerative retinoschisis never require any type of surgical intervention. However, on rare occasions, associated problems such as retinal detachment come about and threaten the visual prognosis. Both conditions have in common the adherence of cortical vitreous to the inner layer of peripheral schisis cavities, which can make the secondary complications technically difficult to manage. Although good surgical results can often be obtained, it is not unusual to require relatively advanced vitreoretinal techniques to achieve long-term surgical success.