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

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.