[Electromagnetic radiation damage to the retina (author's transl)]

Basic mechanism involved in electromagnetic radiation damage to the retina are described. Those are photochemical, thermal and non-linear effects. The absorption of radiant energy by the retina occurs primarily in the visible spectral range. Different wave lengths are absorbed in different layers of the retina. Photochemical injury for minimal lesions is uniform and the damaged area may be larger than the irradiated area. Thermal injury for minimal lesions produces usually a more intense central core of damage surrounded by edema. Non-linear effects are caused by ultrashort exposure times and are produced from strong electric fields, acoustic signals, shock waves, etc. generated by high temperature gradients. Wave lengths play a part in the severity and origin of retinal damage at relative long exposure times but contribute little to retinal injury at ultrashort exposures e.g. psec ranges.