May 2003
Volume 44, Issue 13
Free
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   May 2003
Phototoxicity From a High-Intensity Non-Laser Portable LightSource
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • P.H. Scharper
    Ophthalmology, Washington Natl Eye Ctr, Washington, DC, United States
  • J. Bezek
    Ophthalmology, Washington Natl Eye Ctr, Washington, DC, United States
  • D. Panigrahi
    Ophthalmology, Washington Natl Eye Ctr, Washington, DC, United States
  • Z. Segal
    Ophthalmology, Washington Natl Eye Ctr, Washington, DC, United States
  • D. Goldberg
    Ophthalmology, Washington Natl Eye Ctr, Washington, DC, United States
  • W. Deegan
    Ophthalmology, Washington Natl Eye Ctr, Washington, DC, United States
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships  P.H. Scharper, None; J. Bezek, None; D. Panigrahi, None; Z. Segal, None; D. Goldberg, None; W. Deegan, None.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science May 2003, Vol.44, 4942. doi:
  • Views
  • Share
  • Tools
    • Alerts
      ×
      This feature is available to authenticated users only.
      Sign In or Create an Account ×
    • Get Citation

      P.H. Scharper, J. Bezek, D. Panigrahi, Z. Segal, D. Goldberg, W. Deegan; Phototoxicity From a High-Intensity Non-Laser Portable LightSource . Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2003;44(13):4942.

      Download citation file:


      © ARVO (1962-2015); The Authors (2016-present)

      ×
  • Supplements
Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: There have been many accounts in the literature regarding retinal damage from lasers. But recently several manufacturers have marketed non-laser high intensity portable clip lights which attach to key chains. This light uses a blue Sapphire crystal to produce a bright, non-deteriorating solid state beam of blue light. This light beam reportedly can be seen from a mile away. We will describe the potential of serious retinal injury from exposure to this high intensity light beam. Methods: We report a case of an individual whose brief exposure to this high intensity sapphire light resulted in retinal phototoxicity. Results: Visual acuity dropped to 20/25. On dilated exam, there was a discreet area of subretinal fluid just inferior to the fovea. This area of fluid did NOT leak on repeated fluorescein angiography. The patient was started on Acular and, within two months, the fluid had resolved. After five months of follow up, the vision has improved to 20/20, but the patient still complains of a central scotoma. Conclusions: Retinal damage from high-intensity non-laser sapphire light beam has not been previously reported in the literature. This case raises public health concerns, since most people are unaware of the potential of permanent retinal damage. In addition, none of the manufacturers’ product information includes a warning of possible phototoxicity. We feel an obligation to disseminate this information in order to prevent similar occurrences.

Keywords: macula/fovea • radiation damage: light/UV • laser 
×
×

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

Sign in or purchase a subscription to access this content. ×

You must be signed into an individual account to use this feature.

×