Multimodal imaging in a case of self-inflicted laser-induced maculopathy

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2016 Nov 4;26(6):e155-e157. doi: 10.5301/ejo.5000825.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the clinical and imaging findings in a case of self-inflicted handheld laser exposure.

Methods: We evaluated multimodal imaging including fundus autofluorescence, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography for a 32-year-old man with a history of repetitive self-inflicted handheld laser exposure.

Results: Funduscopic examination revealed bilateral and asymmetric yellow macular linear streaks with a vertical pattern in the superior macula. Curvilinear bands of dense hyperreflectivity extending from the ellipsoid zone of the photoreceptors and ending at the level of the outer plexiform layer were seen on SD-OCT immediately after injury. After intravenous high-dose corticosteroids during 3 days, the lesions decreased slightly.

Conclusions: The recognition of characteristic self-inflicted handheld laser-induced lesions is paramount as laser pointer misuse has been increasing over the years.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Coloring Agents / administration & dosage
  • Eye Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Eye Injuries / drug therapy
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Indocyanine Green / administration & dosage
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Lasers / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Multimodal Imaging*
  • Ophthalmoscopy
  • Retina / diagnostic imaging
  • Retina / injuries*
  • Retinal Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Retinal Diseases / drug therapy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / diagnosis*
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence / methods

Substances

  • Coloring Agents
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Indocyanine Green
  • Methylprednisolone