Solar Retinopathy: Case Report
Thiago Sande Miguel
Centro Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil.
Ana Luiza Mansur Souto
Centro Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil.
Fernanda Bekman Diniz Mitleg Rocha
Universidade Estácio de Sá (UNESA), Brazil.
Tais Cristina Rossett
Centro Universitário Fundação Assis Gurgacz / Cascavel-Paraná, Brazil.
Felipe Bekman Diniz Mitleg Rocha
Centro Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil.
Eduardo de França Damasceno
Centro Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil.
Daniel Almeida da Costa *
UNIFAA, Centro Universitario de Valença, Brazil.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To describe a solar retinopathy.
Presentation of Case: ALPN, 29 years old, male, with cognitive deficit that started after a car accident that occurred at the age of 6 years, attends the ophthalmology clinic of the University Hospital Antônio Pedro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with complaints of decreased visual acuity and metamorphopsia in both eyes (AO) started approximately 8 months ago. Family members reported that after the accident, the patient had the habit of spending mornings and afternoons looking at the sun.
Discussion: Solar retinopathy is caused by the photochemical and thermal effects of ultraviolet radiation on retinal cells, especially in the outer retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Symptoms can start a few hours after direct observation of the sun, and in most cases a bilateral involvement, although asymmetrically with variable visual acuity.
Conclusions: A Solar retinopathy has a multifactorial origin, as it is related to the exposure time and the susceptibility of each individual. The use of hats and sunglasses with protection against ultraviolet rays and anti-reflection are effective preventive measures to be adopted if there is a need for exposure and observation of sunlight.
Keywords: Solar maculopathy scotoma, psychiatric patients, sun damage, phototoxicity, optical coherence, tomography