Ocular damage from laser pointers

4 December 2023 | Fiona Rowe (Prof) | EYE - Paediatrics, EYE - Strabismus

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This retrospective study of case notes from a tertiary eye centre over a five-year period, recruited nine children (12 eyes: eight boys) aged 9-15 years. Three presented with deteriorating vision whilst others had retinal changes noted as incidental findings at routine optometry check. Three cases had laser pointer exposure confirmed. Mean visual acuity was 6/12 (-.27 logMAR). Three had bilateral changes. Macular pigmentary changes were noted with discrete juxta-foveal punched-out lesions involving retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors on ocular coherence tomography. A survey was also conducted of 56 children and carers with mean age of seven years and 63% male participants. For child respondents, 9% played with laser pointers, 85% were aware of danger to vision and 31% were aware of laws for these. For adult respondents, 13% were aware of child use of laser pointers, 93% were aware of harm and 61% were aware of laws. This study highlights children can be asymptomatic but with permanent retinal structural damage and risk of secondary damage years later. Despite awareness of dangers, children still play with these. The authors recommend more effective public awareness regarding use of laser pointers.