Macular burns from nonmedical lasers

Abstract

Laser devices are widely used for medical, military, industrial and entertainment purposes. This extensive and unregulated use of lasers can cause a variety of maculopathies that can result in permanent vision loss. Uncontrolled and inappropriate use of laser instruments should be prevented with strict rules. We strongly emphasize the importance of changing the general misperception that lasers are safe to use for entertainment purposes. In this study we aim to report the clinical features of three patients with a history of maculopathy caused by exposure to laser light in an entertainment venue.