Bilateral choroidal neovascular membrane in a child following intentional laser beam exposure

Laser burn maculopathy caused by handheld laser devices is on the rise with their widespread use as recreational devices. The paediatric group is particularly vulnerable due to universal accessibility, intentional/unintentional exposure to it, and the incidence of ocular injuries is proportionately increasing. We report a rare incidence of self-inflicted injury to both eyes after intentional exposure to a handheld laser beam in a young teen. Initially, the patient had been diagnosed with heredomacular dystrophy due to the bilateral presentation of maculopathy and was referred for further worsening of vision. Multimodal imaging revealed the presence of a choroidal neovascular membrane in both eyes; prompt anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment resolved the lesions, substantially improving vision. The rarity, misdiagnosis, late presentation, use of multimodal imaging for correct diagnosis and treatment outcomes are highlighted in the present case.