Clinical cases of laser-induced macular damage in children

Abstract

Purpose: To study the features of the clinical and functional state of the eyes in children after laser damage to the retina.

Material and methods: We examined six patients who incurred retinal photodamage (nine eyes) after using a laser pointer.

Results: It was shown that laser-induced damage to the macula led to a decrease in vision in five of the nine eyes, which correlated with changes in the parameters of the rhythmic and macular electroretinogram. The main pathognomonic symptom of photo damage to the macula is the presence of signs of local destruction of the pigment epithelium and the ellipsoid zone of the retina, according to optical coherence tomography (OCT). In two cases, after a macular burn, a neovascular membrane formed, which led to an irreversible decrease in vision.

Conclusion: Uncontrolled use of household laser devices (pointers) by children can lead to severe visual impairment. For this reason, the main priority should be prevention, conducting active sanitary and educational work, informing teachers, parents, and children about the potential harm, and timely detection and treatment of retinal photodamage.

Keywords

macular burns / photodamage / laser exposure

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