Retinal Injury Due to Industrial Laser Burns

Ocular industrial laser burns in seven patients were analyzed as to cause, severity, and type of injury. Ocular damage ranged from minimal retinal burns to extensive areas of damage with commotio retinae and vitreous hemorrhage. Visual loss ranged from complete recovery without residual defect to a profound decrease in central acuity. The kinds of lasers causing these injuries were neodymium YAG, argon, krypton, and rhodamine dye. Severity of injury was related to several factors. Some degree of carelessness was involved in all injuries.