3D recording of the retina
December 25, 2011 | 80,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ralf Berg
I have two questions:
25 years ago, I got hit in the eye with a snowball. At the time, I didn't go to the eye doctor because I didn't think the injury was too serious in my early 20s. Recently, during a routine check-up five weeks ago, a 3D scan of my retina was taken, and thankfully everything was fine. Would they have been able to see if this injury from a long time ago had any consequences, such as fine tears in the retina?
Then I have another question: I work in a warehouse area where Class 2 laser scanners are used. In early December, someone intentionally aimed one of these scanners at my eyes. I didn't have any complaints, but I still had my retina examined with pupil dilation on the same day and four days later, and thankfully nothing was found both times. Can I be reassured, or should I have my retina examined again with a 3D scan just to be sure, considering the potential legal consequences? Thank you.
Dear Inquirer,
Regarding question one: Probably not. We are a living organism. All cells renew themselves. If a severe trauma occurs causing a large number of retinal cells to die, a "blind spot" may form where new retinal tissue can no longer connect with the optic nerve fibers. If only small damages to retinal cells are present, they will be "repaired". The violence you experienced 25 years ago apparently was not strong enough to cause permanent damage to the retina. The fine tears you were concerned about would have already disappeared. Conversely, it would have been noticeable if larger parts of the retina had been permanently damaged back then. But usually, patients also notice a deterioration in their vision, which is not the case for you.
Regarding question 2: You can rest assured. If nothing was found after 4 days, it is unlikely that any further issues would arise. I also assume that the duration in which the laser shone through the pupil was short. So, there is no cause for concern here either. Further examinations would only be necessary if, against all odds, you were to experience any visual disturbances.
With many Christmas greetings,
Dr. R. Berg
