MACULAR BURNS AS A RESULT OF EXPOSURE TO GREEN LASER POINTER OF III B CLASS

<p>Abstract:</p><p>We present a clinical case of macular burn as a result of the effect of laser pointer observed in our 14-year-old patient. The laser pointer was a class III B laser according to the classification of laser power (based on the wavelength and output power of the laser). The patient focused the laser beam on his eyes for a few seconds and then noticed a black spot on both eyes. Examinations revealed decreased visual acuity in both eyes, and spectral-domain optical coherent tomography (SD-OCT) and fluorescent angiography (FAQ) revealed defects in the outer lamellar layers of the retina. Topical corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops were used for treatment. Re-examination after 3 months showed some clinical improvement, but there were persistent effects.In recent years, the number of people seeking help from ophthalmologists for burns caused by laser pointers has been steadily increasing, especially among children and adolescents 1,2. This situation emphasizes the importance of careful use of laser devices because improper use of these devices can endanger vision. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the power output of laser pointers and laser toys should be limited to 5 milliwatts (mW) 3. However, as laser technology evolved, laser devices became more powerful, portable (e.g., pointers and toys), widely available and affordable.</p><h2><strong>         </strong></h2><p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    </p&gt

Visual acuity improvement in children with albinism beyond the first decade of life.

PurposeTo determine if visual maturation continues beyond the first decade of life in children with albinism and whether this is related to albinism type, presence of nystagmus, eye muscle surgery or refractive errors.DesignCase series based on retrospective study of children with confirmed genetic diagnosis of albinism.MethodsClinical data were obtained from medical files of children examined during school years, including albinism type, visual acuity, eye muscle surgery, nystagmus, and others on different visits (Visit 1: ages 7-9; Visit 2: ages: 10-12; Visit 3: ages 13-16; Visit 4: ages >16).ResultsSeventy-five children with albinism were included in the study. Patients were divided into different groups according to the albinism type including OCA1A: 17; OCA1B: 28; OCA2: 26; HPS: 3; OCA4: 1. Follow-up ranged from 3-13 years. Progressive visual acuity improvement was seen in all three main groups. T-test paired samples showed a statistically significant improvement when comparing vision from Visit 1 and Visit 3 in both OCA1A and OCA2 groups, with a mean vision improvement of 2 lines. There was no correlation between visual improvement and refractive error, eye muscle surgery or nystagmus.ConclusionAn improved visual performance was seen in a large percentage of children with albinism during the second decade of life. The reason for this late improvement in vision is not clear but may be related to late foveal maturation or improvement in nystagmus with time. This information is useful for clinicians of these patients and when counseling parents