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Macular injury resulting from a high-powered tank laser telemetry device
  1. Ali Hakan Durukan1,
  2. G Gokce2,
  3. S Guven1,
  4. T Koylu3 and
  5. F C Erdurman4
  1. 1Department of Ophthalmology, Gulhane Military Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
  2. 2Department of Ophthalmology, Kayseri Military Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey
  3. 3Department of Ophthalmology, Tatvan Military Hospital, Bitlis, Turkey
  4. 4Department of Ophthalmology, Canakkale Military Hospital, Canakkale, Turkey
  1. Correspondence to Dr Gokcen Gokce, Department of Ophthalmology, Kayseri Military Hospital, Kayseri 38000, Turkey; drgokcengokce{at}gmail.com

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.

  • OPHTHALMOLOGY

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