Ocular injuries secondary to alexandrite laser-assisted hair removal

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to describe the clinical manifestations and outcomes of 4 patients who had sustained eye injury during alexandrite laser-assisted hair removal. Methods This was a retrospective case series of 4 patients who presented to 2 tertiary eye care hospitals over 2 years. Data on ophthalmic examination, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany), and fundus fluorescein angiography were collected. Results Four female patients sustained injuries during alexandrite laser hair removal. One patient presented with acute anterior uveitis, 2 patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization, and 1 patient with intraretinal foveal hemorrhage. Visual acuity at last follow-up (range 3–6 months) was 20/15 to 20/20. Conclusions Ocular injuries can occur as a result of incorrect use of laser-assisted hair removal devices. Ophthalmologists should be aware of ocular damage caused by these devices.