Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026
Continuous-wave Thulium Laser for Heating Cultured Cells to Investigate Cellular Thermal Effects
Published on: June 30, 2017
'Toy' laser macular burns in children: 12-month update
N Raoof1, J O'Hagan2, N Pawlowska3
1Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK.
Purpose:
There is increasing evidence that high-powered hand-held laser devices cause retinal injury. We present 12-month follow-up data for three patients that we previously reported with such retinal injuries.
Methods:
A retrospective case series of three children with maculopathy secondary to exposure to high-power hand-held laser devices. All children underwent clinical examination and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) at presentation and follow-up. Fundus-controlled microperimetry was also undertaken 12-19 months after exposure.
Results:
Three children sustained macular injury after exposure to a high-powered hand-held laser. Acutely, they presented with a 'vitelliform-like' maculopathy with reduced vision. Over the course of follow-up, the best corrected Snellen acuity in all three patients improved to 'normal' levels (range 6/6-6/9). Long-term deficits in foveal retinal sensitivity were identified in two patients using fundus-controlled microperimetry. SD-OCT imaging showed persistent disruption of the foveal outer photoreceptor layers in all three children.
Conclusion:
Although visual acuity improved over time, deficits in microperimetry and SD-OCT persisted. All three children had retinal pigment epithelium changes, requiring follow-up for longer-term sequelae of laser injuries such as expansion of retinal atrophy and development of choroidal neovascular membranes.
