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Optical coherence tomography findings in welder's maculopathy.
Raj S Lucas1, C Alex Harper, Mark F McCombe
1From the *Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital and the †Centre for Eye Research Australia, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; and the ‡Department of Ophthalmology, University of Kansas Medical School, Kansas City, Kansas, and the §US Army Laser/Optical Radiation Program, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, USA.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) reveals inner high reflective layer (HRL) disruption in welder's maculopathy. This finding aids in diagnosing photic maculopathy, similar to solar maculopathy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Welder's maculopathy is a vision impairment caused by exposure to intense light during welding.
- Understanding the pathogenesis and diagnostic markers is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in two cases of welder's maculopathy.
- To compare OCT findings with solar maculopathy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series.
- Clinical examination including slit lamp biomicroscopy.
- Color fundus photography and OCT imaging were performed.
Main Results:
- Patients presented with bilateral decreased central vision after unprotected welding.
- Acute stage showed yellowish foveal spots, progressing to lamellar foveal defects.
- OCT revealed inner high reflective layer (HRL) interruption in the outer neurosensory retina.
Conclusions:
- OCT demonstrates inner HRL disruption in advanced welder's maculopathy.
- Findings are comparable to those observed in solar maculopathy.
- OCT is a valuable tool for diagnosing and understanding photic maculopathy.
