Bilateral Macular Hemorrhage Due to Welding Arc: A Case Report

Background and Objective: Non-ionized radiation from arc welding may cause retinal lesions such as photo retinitis. In this report, a patient with bilateral macular bleeding which had been caused by inappropriate use of protective safety glasses is introduced. Case Report: On 26 July 2008 a 23-year-old male with blurred vision was referred to Shahid Beheshti's faculty of Rehabilitation Clinic. He reported that the previous week he had done welding arc for about 7 hours, without using appropriate safety glasses. At the time of admission, his visual acuity was 2/10 ocular uterque (OU) in near and distance .Indirect ophthalmoscopy showed bilateral macular hemorrhage. Conclusion: Non-ionizing radiation, which is emited in large amounts during welding arc, may cause   photokrataties and cataract, and are due to Ultra Violet (UV) radiation. Visible (VL) and Infrared (IR) radiation resulting from welding arcs rarely cause maculaphathy. In sever cases; this injury leaves permanent damage and is not treatable. Use of appropriate safety glasses can prevent these injuries. Key words: UV radiation; IR radiation; Photo retinitis; Eye protective; welding, Bilateral macular hemorrhage