Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: We present the case of an 11-year-old male with bilateral maculopathy caused by exposure to an astronomy laser pointer with an estimated power output of 50-100 mW. Symptoms began after exposure, and initial evaluation revealed a temporal pigment nevus in the left eye. Further examination identified bilateral retinal photoreceptor loss and subfoveal structural changes on optical coherence tomography (OCT), including reduced hyperreflectivity and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) defects. Visual acuity was recorded as 0.6 in the right eye and 0.4 in the left eye. Laser pointer maculopathy has been increasingly reported, especially in children, raising significant public health concerns. OCT findings commonly reveal hyperreflective outer retinal changes and RPE disruptions. Prognosis varies, ranging from partial recovery to permanent visual impairment. Preventive measures, including public education and regulation of high-powered lasers, are critical to mitigating this avoidable cause of retinal injury. This case highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis, imaging, and awareness to address the growing prevalence of laser-induced ocular injuries.
Source: Diagnostics
Institution: Medical University of Silesia
Language: English
Subfield: Ophthalmology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W4407256032