MACULAR HOLE FORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH INTENSE PULSED LIGHT THERAPY

PURPOSE: To describe the first case of macular hole formation following intense pulsed light therapy. METHODS: This is a retrospective case report. A 68-year-old woman presented with blurry vision that occurred 1 day following intense pulsed light therapy for hair removal. RESULTS: A full thickness macular hole, which had not been previously documented was noted on fundus exam. Ocular coherence tomography confirmed a full-thickness macular hole. DISCUSSION: Laser treatment for hair removal has been reported to cause ocular injuries including iris atrophy, pupillary distortion, cataracts, and uveitis. Intense pulsed light therapy, a specific type of laser therapy, has been reported to cause iris transillumination defects, anterior uveitis, and pupil abnormalities. Our case is the first to describe a macular hole secondary to intense pulsed light therapy. The etiology of the macular hole is postulated to be secondary to possible thermal injury with absorption of energy at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium. This emphasizes the role and importance of preventative measures, such as protective glasses in reducing the risk of ocular injuries.