Citation

Raoof N, Chan TK, Rogers NK, Abdullah W, Haq I, Kelly SP, Quhill FM. Eye 2014; 28(2): 231-234.

Affiliation

Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1038/eye.2013.315

PMID

24434663

Abstract

Purpose: Laser 'toys' can be purchased online and imported with relative ease; the variety of such devices is a potential public safety concern. We describe five children with maculopathy following exposure to laser 'toys'.

MethodsCase series of maculopathy following exposure to laser 'toys'.

Results: Five children were seen in our Ophthalmic Unit with macular injuries following exposure to laser 'toys'. Clinically, three children had an acute vitelliform-like maculopathy which resolved to leave sub-foveal retinal pigment epithelium changes with reduced vision. One case was complicated by a choroidal neovascular membrane.

Conclusion: Laser 'toys', which resemble laser pointers, are increasingly available over the internet. Such 'toys' may not meet safety standards. Retinal injury in childhood following exposure to laser 'toys' is a public safety concern.

Eye advance online publication, 17 January 2014; doi:10.1038/eye.2013.315.

Language: en