Maculopathy secondary to accidental laser beam exposure during alexandrite laser device repair

Abstract

Lasers have become widely used in various sectors such as industrial, military, social settings, and as well as cosmetic. Laser epilation is an increasingly popular method of hair removal. However, if not used with care, it can cause serious ophthalmological and psychological disorders; this may lead to job loss and economic loss. Eye injuries in the workplace are quite common worldwide, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. The retina is the most vulnerable tissue to laser-related injury, which can lead to serious needless visual impairment. Therefore, precautions need to be taken to prevent such injuries, which could become a critical public health problem. This report relates to a 41-year-old female esthetician with unilateral maculopathy. An acute visual field defect occurred inadvertently with unplanned laser exposure while trying to repair Alexandrite laser device without any eye protection. Fundus examination, colour, red-free photography, fluorescein angiography (FFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed. This report is important because it will raise awareness within both the medical and public sectors about the risks of misuse of laser epilation devices.