Photic maculopathy: A review of the literature (I)

Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol (Engl Ed). 2018 Nov;93(11):530-541. doi: 10.1016/j.oftal.2018.06.010. Epub 2018 Sep 15.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

The human retina, as transducer of light energy, is especially exposed to light toxicity. Solar maculopathy has been the only form of photic maculopathy for millennia, often secondary to the observation of an eclipse. During the last century, technological advances have led to the appearance of new forms of photic maculopathy, related to the exposure to new forms of artificial light, such as welding devices and lasers. In recent years, the general use of laser pointers has led to an upturn in interest in this pathology. The aim of this review is to offer an integrated view of the different types of photic maculopathy. Due to the extension of this topic, the review is presented divided into two parts. In this first part solar maculopathy and welding arc maculopathy are presented.

Keywords: Arc welding maculopathy; Distrofia macular; Eclipse maculopathy; Handheld laser maculopathy; Macular dystrophy; Maculopatía fótica; Maculopatía por dispositivos de soldar; Maculopatía por eclipse; Maculopatía por puntero láser; Maculopatía solar; Photic maculopathy; Solar maculopathy.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Eye / radiation effects
  • Eye Injuries / diagnosis
  • Eye Injuries / epidemiology
  • Eye Injuries / etiology*
  • Eye Injuries / history
  • Eye Protective Devices
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, Ancient
  • Humans
  • Light / adverse effects*
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Macula Lutea / pathology
  • Macula Lutea / radiation effects*
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology
  • Occupational Diseases / prevention & control
  • Prognosis
  • Rabbits
  • Radiation Injuries / diagnosis
  • Radiation Injuries / epidemiology
  • Radiation Injuries / etiology*
  • Radiation Injuries / history
  • Rats
  • Retinal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Retinal Diseases / epidemiology
  • Retinal Diseases / etiology*
  • Retinal Diseases / history
  • Solar Activity
  • Sunlight / adverse effects*
  • Welding / instrumentation

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones