Which tests are best for identifying retinal damage?

[emdee193]

I suspect my eyes may have been harmed by an infrared laser, but I am not sure (my eyes were closed, and the laser was not actually aimed at my eyes).

I would like to know if there is any damage to the retina, even if it is very minor. Which tests are best for identifying retinal damage? Should I request an electroretinogram, for example?

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

I would see a retinal specialist for an exam.  An electroretinogram detects widespread damage to or disease of the retina, and so would not be the appropriate test here.  An OCT or fluorescein angiogram may be helpful if the retina specialist suspects macular damage.  I do think this is unlikely since your eyes were closed and the laser was not aimed directly at your eyes.

[emdee193]

So, an OCT is the best test for determining if retinal damage exists?

Does anyone else have any other suggestions or comments?

[DavOD]

First of all, if your eyes were closed and the laser was not aimed at your eyes, then you should not be overly concerned. If you were looking into the laser, it would still depend on the intensity of the laser, the wavelength and the duration.

An Optical Coherence Tomographer (OCT) is most valuable at detecting retinal (macular) damage. But, based on your description of the event, you shouldn't worry. Unless you are not seeing well, any damage that may have occurred might not be detectable even with an OCT.