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This abstract is assigned to session OB Free papers: Medical retina

Title	Laser-induced retinal injury following a recreational laser show
Abstract Nr.	250

Purpose	On July 25, a lasershow took place during the dancefestival “Tomorrowland”. Two patients presented in our department after a direct laser hit in one eye, followed by a prompt decrease of visual acuity. This abstract reports the retinal injuries and follow-up of both patients.
Methods	In both patients, visual acuity was measured, and imaging with OCT, fundus photography and fluorescein angiography was performed.
Results	In both patients, a very similarly sized retinochoroidal coagulation spot was observed, which led to a retinal hemorrhage in both patients. The first patient developed an extrafoveal chorioretinal hemorrhage, which also led to a vitreous bleeding. After five weeks, she had a BCVA of 20/20 , but a residual paracentral scotoma corresponding to the site of coagulation remains. The second patient was hit in the fovea, leading to a subretinal hemorrhage and a visual acuity of counting fingers. Six weeks later, the blood had resorbed, but damage at the level of neuroretina and pigmentlayer was still present on OCT. Both patients will be followed with fluorescein angiography for occurrence of choroidal neovascularisation.
Conclusion	The use of powerful laser appliances (class 3 or class 4 lasers) directed into the audience during dancefestivals can cause significant retinal injuries with lifelong visual consequences.

Author 1

Last name	BOOSTEN
Initials	K
Department	Dept. Ophthalmology UZLeuven
City	Leuven

Author 2

Last name	VAN CALSTER
Initials	J
Department	Dept. Ophthalmology UZLeuven
City	Leuven

Author 3

Last name	WIRIX
Initials	M
Department	Dept. Ophthalmology H.Hartziekenhuis
City	Leuven

Author 4

Last name	STALMANS
Initials	P
Department	Dept. Ophthalmology UZLeuven
City	Leuven