Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Intense pulsed light (IPL)-induced macular holes are rare but potentially severe. We report a case with anatomically successful surgical closure but poor functional recovery. A 30-year-old male sustained accidental ocular exposure to 808 ± 10 nm IPL without eye protection. One week later, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/200; optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed a large full-thickness macular hole (basal diameter: 1639 μm) with cystoid edema and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) disruption. Despite oral corticosteroids, the hole remained open at 1 month. Pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling and sterile air tamponade achieved anatomical closure by postoperative day 7. However, BCVA remained 20/200 at 1 month due to persistent IS/OS discontinuity and RPE defects. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This case highlights that IPL can cause large, traction-associated macular holes. Even early surgical closure may not restore vision if photoreceptor and RPE integrity are compromised. Eye protection is essential during IPL handling.
Source: BMC Ophthalmology
Authors: Xiang Wang, Weihua Xu, Fengqin Hao, Yan Li
Language: English
Topic: Retinal and Macular Surgery
Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,990
OpenAlex ID: W4416629876