Photo-induced foveal injury after viewing a solar eclipse.
OBJECTIVE
To study the injury to and possible recovery of the visual function and foveal morphology in patients with photo-induced foveal injury due to watching the solar eclipse of August 11th, 1999 in Stockholm, Sweden.


METHODS
Fifteen patients, all of whom viewed the solar eclipse, were followed for 1 year, during which their visual symptoms were recorded and visual acuity (VA) was tested, and ophthalmoscopy and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy were performed.


RESULTS
Photo-induced foveal injury gave rise to subjective visual disturbances, reduced VA and morphological changes in the fovea. Central scotomas could still be seen in all patients 1 year after the foveal injury.


CONCLUSIONS
Photo-induced foveal injury gave rise to subjective visual disturbances, reduced VA and morphological changes in the fovea. Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy offers the possibility of detailed examination of small retinal lesions, which can sometimes be difficult to localize with ophthalmoscopy.
Källmark
Fredrik P
FP
St. Erik's Eye Hospital, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. fredrik.kallmark@ste.ki.se
Ygge
Jan
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005584:Fovea Centralis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D019445:Solar Activity; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014792:Visual Acuity