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'Toy' laser macular burns in children
N Raoof1, T K J Chan1, N K Rogers1
11] Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK [2] Department of Ophthalmology, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK.
Purpose:
Laser 'toys' can be purchased online and imported with relative ease; the variety of such devices is a potential public safety concern. We describe five children with maculopathy following exposure to laser 'toys'.
Methods:
Case series of maculopathy following exposure to laser 'toys'.
Results:
Five children were seen in our Ophthalmic Unit with macular injuries following exposure to laser 'toys'. Clinically, three children had an acute vitelliform-like maculopathy which resolved to leave sub-foveal retinal pigment epithelium changes with reduced vision. One case was complicated by a choroidal neovascular membrane.
Conclusion:
Laser 'toys', which resemble laser pointers, are increasingly available over the internet. Such 'toys' may not meet safety standards. Retinal injury in childhood following exposure to laser 'toys' is a public safety concern.
