UPDATING ON INTRAOPERATIVE LIGHT-INDUCED RETINAL INJURY

We are presenting the state of knowledge concerning intraoperative lig ht-induced retinal injury, considered to be a combination of photic re tinopathy and retinal photocoagulation. It may arise from retinal ligh t exposure to the operating microscope or to the fiberoptic endoillumi nator. Ultraviolet and short-wavelength visible light are more dangero us than longer wavelength light. Many risk factors may facilitate the onset of this iatrogenic disease following surgery. Many aspects of th e retinal damage are still poorly understood. Many mild light-induced retinal injuries probably remain undiagnosed in routine postoperative examination. Current appropriate light filters are not the definitive solution. Appropriate precautions should be taken during both anterior segment and vitreoretinal surgery.