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Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2020; 237(10): 1187-1193
DOI: 10.1055/a-1250-8471
Übersicht

Laser Pointer: A Possible Risk for the Retina

Article in several languages: English | deutsch
Johannes Birtel 
1   Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
2   Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
3   Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
,
G. Darius Hildebrand
1   Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
2   Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
,
Peter Charbel Issa 
1   Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
2   Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Abstract

In recent years, an increasing incidence of laser pointer-associated retinal injuries has been observed, likely due to easy access to incorrectly classified laser pointers, their labelling as toys, and lack of awareness concerning the associated risk. Laser pointer exposure can lead to irreversible retinal damage and associated vision loss, depending on the wavelength, radiation power, duration of exposure, localization, and spot size. Pronounced retinal laser damage is especially seen in children and teenagers. The structural appearance of retinal laser pointer damage varies and, in some cases, may be a diagnostic challenge. Besides often subtle findings on optical coherence tomography examination, characteristic alterations on near-infrared autofluorescence imaging may be valuable for the diagnosis of retinal laser pointer injuries and for differentiating other retinal lesions with similar appearance. The increase in laser pointer injuries indicates that regulatory actions and increased public awareness are required regarding the dangers of laser pointers.

Key words

laser pointer - retina - imaging - maculopathy - autofluorescence


Publication History

Received: 07 July 2020

Accepted: 21 August 2020

Article published online:
15 October 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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