Accidental focal laser injury—a correlation of electrophysiology, perimetry and clinical findings

Abstract

Laser injuries to the eyes occasionally occur in occupational accidents or during free-time activities. The aim of this study was to compare clinical and functional findings. We describe a 34-year-old male complaining about reduced visual acuity after an accidental laser injury. We correlate changes in the multifocal ERG with visual field defects due to focal laser application 1.5 years after the trauma. A small central retinal scarring resulting in a perimetric defect and a focal reduction of amplitude in the multifocal ERG have been observed in an area closely corresponding to the area where the scarring and the field losses occurred. Structural and perimetric damage as a consequence of laser injury can be associated with focal change in multifocal ERG.