Clinical and Imaging Spectrum of Laser-Induced Maculopathy Caused by Laser Projection Devices

This study highlights the spectrum of fundus and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in a cluster of cases of laser-induced maculopathy and their management.

This single-centre prospective study enrolled 17 eyes from 17 patients diagnosed with laser-induced maculopathy between September 1 and September 30, 2023. Baseline assessments included visual acuity, fundus examination, and OCT features. All patients were followed up at one month and three months to evaluate visual improvement and morphological changes on OCT. The primary outcome measures were final visual acuity and OCT-based morphological changes observed during the follow-up period.

The study included a total of 17 patients, among whom 14 (82.3%) were male and three (17.6%) were female. The mean age was 24.82 ± 4.21 (mean ± SD) years. All patients presented with unilateral ocular involvement. Thirteen eyes (76.4%) had sub-internal limiting membrane hemorrhage (SIH). Of these, eight (47%) underwent surgery and recovered a vision of 20/20. One (5.8%) eye had intraretinal and subretinal hemorrhage and underwent SF6 gas injection. One (5.8%) eye had a macular hole, and two eyes (11.7%) had outer retinal defects on OCT.

This study highlights the clinical and imaging spectrum of lesions in laser-induced maculopathy. There is a lack of awareness about the potentially sight-threatening complications from the use of recreational laser projection devices. Government directives to regulate the use of laser projection devices are needed to prevent loss of vision in children and young adults.