Eclipse Retinopathy, an OCT and Fundus Autofluorescence Study - Case Report

Chun-Ju Lin^1,2,3, Kun-Hsien Li¹, San-Ni Chen^1,2, Jiunn-Feng Hwang^1,2

¹Department of Ophthalmology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Taiwan
²School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
³Department of Optometry, Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology, Taiwan

PURPOSE:
To report a case of eclipse retinopathy resulting in epimacular membrane.

METHODS:
Interventional case report.

RESULTS:
A 63-year-old female patient complained of dimness in the central field of vision in the left eye after viewing an annular partial eclipse without adequate eye protection on 22 July 2009. Fundoscopy showed wrinkled macular surface. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) study revealed well-demarcated hyperautofluorescence at fovea. OCT demonstrated thickened epiretinal membrane with macular edema. FA and ICG were unremarkable. Macular pucker and associated macular edema progressed in the following three months with deteriorated vision. Vitrectomy, epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane peeling were performed. Vision was restored after the operation.

CONCLUSION:
Direct sun-gazing may damage the retinal structures resulting in macular inflammation and increase focal metabolism, which explains the hyperautofluorescence. It may also induce epimacular membrane. FAF might represent a useful technique to detect subtle solar-induced injuries of the retina. The visual prognosis is favorable but prevention remains the mainstay of treatment. Public health education is mandatory in reducing visual morbidity.