Solar Retinopathy from Religious Sun Gazing: A Case Report
Leigh Ann R. Acedillo, MD, Patrick A. Santiago, MD, DPBO, FPCS, FPAO, MHM
Department of Ophthalmology, Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, Quezon City
Correspondence: Leigh Ann R. Acedillo, MD
Clinic Address: Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Medical Center, Regalado Ave, Quezon City, Philippines
Contact Number: +63234270213 local 1200
Email Address: leighacedillo@yahoo.com
Disclosure: The authors report no conflict of interest.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To report a case of a 42-year-old male who developed bilateral solar retinopathy from two-decade history of religious sun gazing.
Methods: This is a case report.
Results: Patient presented with a visual acuity of 20/70 OD and 20/50 OS that improved with pinhole to 20/20. Amsler grid testing revealed the presence of bilateral central scotoma. Fundus exam showed yellow-white foveolar lesions in both eyes. Optical coherence tomography scan of the macula showed a gap in the retinal pigment epithelium line at the central fovea with generalized macular thinning in both eyes. These corresponded with window-defect hyperfluorescent dots in the foveal avascular zone on fluorescein angiography. These clinical findings and the history of sun gazing are consistent with solar retinopathy.
Conclusion: We report a rare case of a 42-year-old male with subtle findings solar retinopathy. Careful examination and high index of suspicion are needed for correct diagnosis. Avoiding direct sun-gazing, use of protective UV filters, and remote observation thru videography and the like are recommended.
Keywords: solar retinopathy, solar maculopathy, eclipse retinopathy, foveomacular retinitis, sun gazing