Retinal damage from laser pointer misuse - Case series from the military sector in Oman

Abstract

Laser pointers are practical and safe training tools when used properly. If used incorrectly they can cause ocular damage, potentially resulting in devastating vision loss. The ocular and visual morbidity can result in significant expenses for medical care and inability to work (temporarily or permanently) for civilians and military personnel. We present three cases of soldiers who experienced vision loss following exposure to laser pointers, while celebrating successfull football game.

Retinal Injury Following Laser Pointer Exposure

“…High-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) demonstrated morphological retinal changes such as focal loss or disruption of retinal layers (8,9,11,17,18,21,22), macular holes (12,13,23,24,26), and cystoid changes or thickening (12,17,19) in all patients. Findings associated with prolonged exposure additionally showed streak lesions and, subsequently, fibrotic changes (27).…”

“…Central scotoma was described in 37 patients. Fundoscopy findings included circumscribed yellowish lesions in the area of the fovea (n = 37) (8-12), hemorrhage (n = 16) (12-16), pigment changes (hypo-and hyperpigmentation) (n = 59) (14,(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22), as well as macular hole formation (n = 26) (12,13,(23)(24)(25)(26). Table 1 provides an overview of findings.…”

Laser Pointers Revisited

“…Researchers have presented studies that document eye injury due to the misuse of lasers 3-5 . Robertson and colleagues 6 performed a study with a laser pointer with power output between 3 and 7 mW (532 nm) that was measured with a laser power meter.…”

“…We conducted a review of case reports of laser eye injuries over the last five years. 3-5, 10-20 Most of the cases occurred as a result of intentional viewing into a laser's beam or use of lasers by poorly trained individuals in military activities. 5, 13, 18, 21, 22 However, with the high power now available in hand-held laser damage can be caused even by accidental exposure.…”

“…3-5, 10-16 . According to ANSI standard each laser pointer has a nominal ocular hazard distance (NOHD), the distance that a laser beam does not cause immediate or long-term damage based on a 0.25 second blink reflex.…”