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Subretinal hemorrhage due to laser pointer

Description

Retinal lesions induced by accidental exposure to recreational or entertainment lasers have proliferated in recent years. Retinal hemorrhagic lesions (preretinal, intraretinal, or subretinal) have been described, as well as retinal holes, with a highly variable prognosis depending on the degree and location of the lesions.

Laser injuries do not occur only with high-power equipment (high risk); they have also been described with the use of low-risk lasers.

Comments

A 22-year-old woman, upon entering a nightclub, experiences exposure to a recreational laser pointer in her left eye, with sudden and sustained vision loss. She arrives at the emergency room showing a vascular lesion in the inferior arcade with extensive subretinal hemorrhage.
Tests:
  • Wide-field color retinography (Clarus 700, Zeiss): Rounded subretinal hemorrhage with vascular lesion in the inferior temporal arcade. Small inferior subhyaloid hemorrhage.
  • Fundus autofluorescence (AF Green, Clarus 700, Zeiss): Hypoautofluorescence due to screening effect of the hemorrhages.
  • HD OCT (Cirrus 5000, Zeiss): Neurosensory subretinal hemorrhage with macular edema (vertical scan).

Indication

A 22-year-old woman, upon entering a nightclub, experiences exposure to a recreational laser pointer in her left eye, with sudden and sustained vision loss. She arrives at the emergency room showing a vascular lesion in the inferior arcade with extensive subretinal hemorrhage.