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Photic maculopathy after pterygium excision
K O Karp1, T P Flood, A L Wilder
1Department of Ophthalmology, Rush Medical College of Rush University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|August 24, 1999
Summary
Photic maculopathy, a retinal injury, can occur after pterygium removal surgery. Surgeons should limit intense light exposure to the macula during ocular procedures to prevent vision damage.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Ophthalmic Surgery
Background:
- Pterygium removal is a common ophthalmic surgical procedure.
- Prolonged exposure to intense light during surgery is a potential risk factor for retinal damage.
Observation:
- A 27-year-old woman developed a paracentral scotoma post-pterygium removal.
- A fluorescein angiogram confirmed a phototoxic macular lesion.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms and angiographic findings indicate photic maculopathy.
- The condition was linked to approximately 40 minutes of retinal exposure during surgery.
Implications:
- Ophthalmologists must be aware of the risk of photic maculopathy after pterygium removal.
- Minimizing prolonged, intense coaxial illumination of the retina is crucial during ocular microsurgery to prevent vision loss.