Lightning maculopathy. A case report

Abstract

Background: Lightning can cause a number of ocular complications. A case involving a patient who developed a cataract and reversible maculopathy in both eyes after being struck by lightning is reported.

Methods: The patient was evaluated for cataract and macular edema by ophthalmoscopic examination, fluorescein angiography, and potential acuity meter.

Results: Maculopathy developed that was characterized initially by a retinal cyst with surrounding edema. Later, the lesions evolved to simulate a full-thickness hole. These lesions subsequently resolved, and the patient's visual acuity improved to 20/20 in each eye after cataract extraction.

Conclusion: Because the visual prognosis for lightning-induced maculopathy is potentially different than that for full-thickness macular holes, careful retinal examination is essential in the preoperative workup.