title: Macular injury resulting from a high-powered tank laser telemetry device.
abstract: A high-powered laser is an essential part of a modern military rangefinder; however, this paper presents three cases with macular injury resulting from a high-powered tank laser telemetry device. All injuries occurred when another user deliberately pointed the telemetry target unit at the patient's eyes. The devastating effect of this high-powered laser resulted in a permanent foveal scar in the second patient and a macular hole formation in the third patient. This report emphasises that education plays a primary role in preventing accidental laser injuries. Using general guidelines and safety regulations will prevent accidental macular injuries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Gulhane Military Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ali Hakan
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Durukan
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Kayseri Military Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gokce
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Gulhane Military Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Guven
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Tatvan Military Hospital, Bitlis, Turkey.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Koylu
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Canakkale Military Hospital, Canakkale, Turkey.
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Erdurman
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D060051:Occupational Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D013686:Telemetry / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: OPHTHALMOLOGY