Macular Injury by a Military Range Finder

Abstract

A range finder can produce severe macular injury. The primary laser-tissue interaction mechanism seems to be explosive disruption of choroidal tissue. Intravitreal injection of TPA and C2F6 did not show a clear benefit to such laser lesions. A late complication can be secondary choroidal neovascularization.

Laser-induced macular holes demonstrate impaired choroidal perfusion

“…Laser injury to Bruch's membrane and the choriocapillaris may also lead to secondary choroidal neovascularization. 11 In addition to the role of disruption of Bruch's membrane, localized ischemia, due to reduced choroidal perfusion, may also play a role in stimulating this process. …”

“…[9][10] Choroidal neovascularization may develop early or late in the wound healing process. [11][12] Laser-induced macular holes typically result in varying degrees of permanent central visual loss. 2,[5][6][7][8] We have examined patients with accidental laser-induced macular holes and found decreased choriocapillaris perfusion on indocyanine green angiography.…”

Macular injury resulting from a high-powered tank laser telemetry device

“…The foveal and parafoveal regions are particularly at risk for laser-related retinal damage,7 8 and a foveal laser burn may lead to significant visual impairment. The first patient in our series had a parafoveal laser burn, and improvement in BCVA with the resolution of macular damage was completely achieved in 1 month.…”

Macular Injury With Rapid Onset of Choroidal Neovascularization From Laser Epilation

“…Also, choroidal neovascularization has been reported to evolve in the weeks to months following laser injury. [1][2][3][4][5] In those cases laser pointers had emission power of 5 mW at a wavelength of 635 nm and 100 mW at a wavelength of 474 nm. 3,4 Military-use lasers were Q switched at 1064 nm and at 694 nm.…”