Observation of changes after peripheral retinal injury by cosmetic laser, using wide-field scanning laser ophthalmoscope: A case report.

RATIONALE

Increases in cosmetic laser use have led to recent reports of accidental retinal injuries, most of which are limited to the posterior pole. We report a case of peripheral retinal injury caused by a 1064-nm Nd:YAG: neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 27-year-old Asian woman was admitted with scotoma symptoms in her right eye. The patient was a skin care technician. Three days before admission, a laser beam had struck her eye while she was preparing for a laser procedure.

DIAGNOSIS

During fundus examination, a subretinal hemorrhage with disc diameter (DD) of 4.0 and a preretinal hemorrhage of 2.5 DD in its center were found in the 2 o'clock position of the peripheral retina in the right eye.

INTERVENTIONS

We monitored the injury for > 6 months, first using fluorescein angiography, then wide-field scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography. Oral steroids and vitamins were administered.

OUTCOMES

During the 6-month follow-up period, blood from the initial sub- and preretinal hemorrhage, as well as vitreous hemorrhage, were all absorbed. Retinal detachment was not observed as scar formation and adhesions had occurred. No interventions were considered necessary.

LESSONS

When treating a patient who has experienced laser eye injury, the possibility of peripheral retinal injury should be considered. Peripheral retinal injury caused by 1064-nm Nd:YAG: neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet has a relatively good prognosis, suggesting that it will not progress to retinal detachment.