Ocular injury after laser-assisted eyebrow hair removal

Abstract

Aim: To report a case of ocular injury after laser-assisted eyebrow hair removal. Material and method: Case report of a patient with eye pain, photophobia and blurred vision following laser epilation of the eyebrow using Lumenis Light Sheer diode 790-830 nm laser (class IV laser) with inadequate ocular shielding. The eye examination included visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, tonometry, fundoscopy and OCT macula. Results: The eye examination revealed conjunctival hyperaemia in both eyes, anterior chamber pigmentary cells, posterior synechiae and iris stromal defects causing pupillary distortion with sluggish reaction. Her best corrected visual acuity was 0.5 - OD and 0.6 - OS. The intraocular pressure was within normal limits. No macular damage was detected. Topical steroids and cycloplegics was indicated to address the anterior uveitis, continuing to follow-up regularly. Conclusions: Ocular structures are known to be susceptible to damage from exposure to laser emission. Therefore, all class IV labelled lasers require a proper eye shielding to protect against laser-induced damage to ocular tissues.