Photic Maculopathy Caused by a Laser Pointer

Laser pointers are easily available devices and are frequently used for teaching and presentation purposes. We present a case of photic maculopathy in a man in his 20s who came with central scotoma and blurred vision in the right eye following accidental exposure to a red laser pointer. Visual acuity of the affected eye was 20/30 and N8. On examination of the fundus, a yellowish foveal lesion was seen. The Amsler grid test revealed a central scotoma. Fundus autofluorescence showed hyperfluorescence with central hypofluorescence. A diagnosis of photic maculopathy was made based on characteristic findings on optical coherence tomography. On follow-up, the size of the lesion decreased. However, the patient complained of a persisting scotoma. This case highlights the public health importance of creating awareness among people regarding the strict regulations on the unscrupulous use of laser pointers to prevent vision loss.