Solar Retinopathy

Dr Ben Wild

Overview

The retina is located at the back surface of the inside of the eye. Its main function is to detect and transmit the sensation of light to the brain for interpretation. Clinically, the macula refers to the part of the retina that represents the finely detailed central vision.

A frontal view of a healthy eye fundus (back of the eye) where the macula represents the dark circle.

Solar retinopathy occurs when photoreceptors absorb intense solar radiation (light from the sun) and burst. These micro-explosions usually start a few hours after exposure to intense light (could also be from welding or other intense light sources).

A frontal view of an eye with a lamellar hole caused by solar retinopathy.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs

A yellow or red fovea (center of the macula) that may progress into a macular lamellar hole (hole several retinal layers thick), thinning fovea.

Symptoms

Central blind spot, variable vision loss.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes

Looking at intense light such as the sun.

Risk Factors

See causes.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention

Wear welding level eye protection for welding or for observing solar eclipses. View eclipses indirectly via cell phone.

Treatments

· There are no treatments available.

Prognosis

A full recover occurs in the vast majority of cases. The likelihood of recovery depends on the intensity and duration of the light stimulus. In some cases, recovery takes a full 6 months. In rare cases, permanent central vision loss occurs.