Retina-Vitreous
2026 , Vol 35 , Num 2
Delayed-Onset Subfoveal Choroidal Neovascularization with Fellow Eye Structural Changes After Industrial Laser Exposure
Etlik City Hospital, Ophthalmology, Ankara, Türkiye
DOI :
10.37845/ret.vit.2026.35.25
Laser-induced retinal injury is an uncommon but potentially vision-threatening condition. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) represents a rare late complication following disruption of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)–Bruch’s membrane complex. We report a case of delayed-onset subfoveal CNV that developed approximately one year after accidental exposure to reflected radiation from an industrial laser cutting system. A 39-year-old male presented with decreased vision and metamorphopsia in his left eye. Multimodal imaging, including color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FFA), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT), and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), confirmed active subfoveal CNV. The right eye was structurally normal at baseline. The affected eye received three consecutive monthly intravitreal anti-VEGF (Bevacizumab) injections, resulting in anatomical regression of the neovascular membrane and improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from 0.1 to 0.6. During follow-up, progressive ellipsoid zone (EZ) irregularity developed in the initially unaffected fellow eye without evidence of neovascularization. This case illustrates that high-energy industrial laser exposure may lead to delayed-onset CNV and subsequent outer retinal structural alterations. Long-term bilateral evaluation with multimodal imaging is essential, and timely anti-VEGF therapy can achieve favorable anatomical and functional outcomes.
Keywords :
Anti-VEGF therapy, Choroidal neovascularization, Laser injuries, Multimodal imaging


