Open AccessPhoto‐induced foveal injury after viewing a solar eclipse
Author(s) -
Källmark Fredrik P.,
Ygge Jan
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1600-0420
pISSN - 1395-3907
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0420.2005.00511.x
Subject(s) - foveal , ophthalmoscopy , medicine , ophthalmology , visual acuity , retinal , optometry
. Purpose: To study the injury to and possible recovery of the visual function and foveal morphology in patients with photo‐induced foveal injury due to watching the solar eclipse of August 11th, 1999 in Stockholm, Sweden.Methods: Fifteen patients, all of whom viewed the solar eclipse, were followed for 1 year, during which their visual symptoms were recorded and visual acuity (VA) was tested, and ophthalmoscopy and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy were performed.Results: Photo‐induced foveal injury gave rise to subjective visual disturbances, reduced VA and morphological changes in the fovea. Central scotomas could still be seen in all patients 1 year after the foveal injury.Conclusion: Photo‐induced foveal injury gave rise to subjective visual disturbances, reduced VA and morphological changes in the fovea. Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy offers the possibility of detailed examination of small retinal lesions, which can sometimes be difficult to localize with ophthalmoscopy.