Ocular injuries secondary to alexandrite laser-assisted hair removal

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the clinical manifestations and outcomes of 4 patients who had sustained eye injury during alexandrite laser-assisted hair removal.

Methods: This was a retrospective case series of 4 patients who presented to 2 tertiary eye care hospitals over 2 years. Data on ophthalmic examination, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany), and fundus fluorescein angiography were collected.

Results: Four female patients sustained injuries during alexandrite laser hair removal. One patient presented with acute anterior uveitis, 2 patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization, and 1 patient with intraretinal foveal hemorrhage. Visual acuity at last follow-up (range 3-6 months) was 20/15 to 20/20.

Conclusions: Ocular injuries can occur as a result of incorrect use of laser-assisted hair removal devices. Ophthalmologists should be aware of ocular damage caused by these devices.