Solar retinopathy secondary to sungazing

Abstract

A young woman presented with a 2-day history of bilateral central scotoma and metamorphopsia following an episode of direct sun-gazing lasting 1-2 min. On examination, visual acuity was reduced to 6/9 bilaterally. Fundal examination revealed discrete yellow lesions at both maculae consistent with solar burns. Optical coherence tomography revealed retinal pigment epithelial defects at both fovea, which improved over time. The patient was managed conservatively. There was full resolution of symptoms in the left eye; however, a central scotoma persisted in the right eye at follow-up 1 year later.