The use of optical coherence tomography to aid in diagnosing solar maculopathy

Solar maculopathy is most commonly diagnosed after the direct viewing of solar eclipses. The damage to the retina is located in the outer segments of photoreceptors and in the retinal pigmentary epithelium. It may be acceptable to use optical coherence tomography (OCT) to identify retinal damage caused by the sun.

Here we describe a case of a patient who reported with a mild decrease in best-corrected visual acuities. Dilated examination found macular changes that were present in both eyes resembling solar maculopathy. OCT was utilized to aid in the diagnosis of solar maculopathy.

With the large number of individuals who spend their time in the sun, a practitioner should consider the possible repercussions of this activity. We are all aware of the damage that the sun can cause to the skin and, as in the case of cataracts, its effects on the eye. In cases in which macular changes are noted we should consider the possibility of solar maculopathy. As is in the case presented here, OCT may be an effective means of assessing the maculopathy.