This 27 YO technician working without eye protection in a dermatology laser clinic presented with sudden, painless vision loss and floaters in his right eye. Vision was 20/40.
Optos color imaging shows vitreous blood emanating from the site of laser injury in the super midperiphery. A rim of subretinal blood surrounds the lesion. Fresh laser retinopexy encircles the hemorrhage.
A retinal break is likely obscured by the blood, and this laser should hopefully reduce the risk of a retinal detachment.
Learning Points:
Ocular damage from these lasers depends highly on the laser wavelength, power, and duration. There are several types of lasers used in dermatology, and eye protection for both patients and clinic staff should be used.
