Spectralis optical coherence tomography findings in Welder's maculopathy

Welder's maculopathy is a form of photochemical damage to the retina and is typically characterized by involvement of the outer retinal layers. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging was performed in three eyes of two patients with clinical findings suggestive of Welder's maculopathy in occupational welders. A faceted foveal lesion characterized clinical examination and the SD-OCT line scans 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. SD-OCT imaging offers a noninvasive way of evaluating the microstructural changes at the fovea in Welder's maculopathy.