Fourier-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Findings in Welder's Maculopathy

Welder's maculopathy represents a form of photochemical damage to the retina and is characterized by involvement of the outer retinal layers. Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD OCT) imaging was performed in 5 eyes of 3 patients with clinical findings suggestive of welder's maculopathy in occupational welders. Clinical examination was characterised by a faceted foveal lesion and the FD OCT line scan images showed a distinct discontinuity of the photoreceptor inner and outer segment (IS/OS) junction. The external limiting membrane (ELM) and the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) layer remained intact at the site of IS/OS defect. FD OCT imaging offers a non-invasive way of evaluating the microstructural changes at the fovea in welder's maculopathy.