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Retinal injury from handheld lasers: a review
Kavita V Bhavsar1, Zachary Michel2, Miles Greenwald2
1Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science` University, Portland, OR, USA; Portland VA Healthcare System, Portland, OR, USA.
Survey of Ophthalmology
|July 7, 2020
Summary
High-powered handheld lasers pose a growing public health risk, causing severe vision loss from retinal photic injury. Early diagnosis using multimodal imaging is crucial for vulnerable populations, especially children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Handheld laser devices are increasingly accessible, leading to a rise in retinal photic injuries.
- Retinal damage from laser thermal energy can result in permanent vision loss, particularly in children and young adults.
- Vulnerability in younger populations is exacerbated by comorbid behavioral, learning, and psychiatric impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize the clinical and imaging features of retinal photic injuries caused by handheld lasers.
- To identify risk factors, demographic, and clinical characteristics associated with these injuries.
- To highlight the role of multimodal retinal imaging in diagnosis and understanding outer retinal abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review of 171 reported cases of handheld laser-induced retinal injury.
- Inclusion of studies published in English and non-English languages from 1999 to December 2018.
- Collection and summarization of data on risk factors, patient demographics, clinical presentations, and imaging findings.
Main Results:
- Characterization of the spectrum of clinical and imaging findings in handheld laser-induced retinal injuries.
- Identification of key risk factors and vulnerable demographic groups.
- Demonstration of the utility of multimodal retinal imaging in diagnosing outer retinal abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Retinal photic injury from handheld lasers is a significant public health concern requiring increased awareness.
- Accurate diagnosis relies on understanding specific clinical and multimodal imaging features.
- Further research is needed to address this growing issue and inform public health strategies.
