J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2011 Mar;52(3):373-377. 10.3341/jkos.2011.52.3.373.

A Case of Macular Hole after Exposure to Tattoo Removal by Q-Switched Neodymium:YAG Laser

• Kim DB
• Jung MO
• Lee DW
• Choi GJ
• Kim DH

• KMID: 2214305
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/jkos.2011.52.3.373

Abstract

PURPOSE
To report a case of a macular hole resulting from accidental exposure to tattoo removal by the Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser, which was treated successfully by vitrectomy and silicone oil infusion.
CASE SUMMARY
A 33-year-old man presented with decreased visual acuity after accidental exposure to a Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser. According to fundus examination, vitreous hemorrhage and macular edema were observed. After 21 days, a macular hole had developed which was treated by standard pars plana vitrectomy and gas tamponade. Unfortunately, closure was not obtained on the first attempt. Therefore, a second attempt using silicone oil infusion was performed. Four months after the initial visit, BCVA had increased to 20/50, and anatomical occlusion was achieved.
CONCLUSIONS
The authors of the present study experienced an unusual case of macular hole developed from the Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser used to remove a tattoo. A satisfactory visual acuity was achieved after silicone oil infusion despite failure in the first surgery.

Keyword

Macular hole; Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser; Silicone oil; Tattoo; Vitrectomy

MeSH Terms

Adult
Humans
Macular Edema
Retinal Perforations
Silicone Oils
Visual Acuity
Vitrectomy
Vitreous Hemorrhage
Silicone Oils

Figure

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  Figure 1. Fundus photograph (A) at presentation shows dot hemorrhage at the center of the fovea and halo of subretinal fluid. Vitreous hemorrhage observed also. Optical coherence tomography (B) confirms partial defect of the neurosensory retina.

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  Figure 2. Fundus photograph (A) at 21days after initial injury shows apparent macular hole. OCT (B) confirms full-thickness macular hole.

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  Figure 3. OCT (A) at 1 month after vitrectomy and C3 F8 gas infusion. Full-thickness defect of neurosensory retina is still noted. Postoperative OCT scans (B) at 2 month after second vitrectomy and silicone oil infusion, show closure of the hole with reapposition of the retinal edges.

Reference

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