title: Retinal Damage from Laser Pointer Misuse - Case Series from the Military Sector in Oman.
abstract: Laser pointers are practical and safe training tools when used properly. If used incorrectly they can cause ocular damage, potentially resulting in devastating vision loss. The ocular and visual morbidity can result in significant expenses for medical care and inability to work (temporarily or permanently) for civilians and military personnel. We present three cases of soldiers who experienced vision loss following exposure to laser pointers, while celebrating successful football game.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Armed Forces Hospital, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.
authors.forename: Radha
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Shenoy
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Al Ahli Medical and Research Center, Doha, Qatar.
authors.forename: Alexander A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Bialasiewicz
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Armed Forces Hospital, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.
authors.forename: Asoka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bandara
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Armed Forces Hospital, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.
authors.forename: Roshini
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Isaac
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001766:Blindness; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D009850:Oman; D012029:Refraction, Ocular / Q000502:physiology; D012160:Retina / Q000293:injuries*; D012166:Retinal Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D012607:Scotoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D014823:Vitreous Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*
keywords: Fundus Fluorescein Angiography; Laser Pointer; Macular Hole; Optical Coherence Tomography; Subhyaloid Hemorrhage