Purpose: To report a patient who developed photic maculopathy after pterygium removal.
Methods: A 27-year-old woman underwent pterygium removal with a conjunctival autograft after administration of retrobulbar anesthesia. A coaxial operating microscope was used, with an estimated retinal exposure of approximately 40 minutes.
Results: On the first postoperative day, the patient noted a paracentral scotoma. A fluorescein angiogram on the fourth postoperative day documented a phototoxic lesion in the macula.
Conclusions: Phototoxic injury to the macula may occur after pterygium removal. Ophthalmologists should take precautions to minimize prolonged intense coaxial illumination of the retina while performing any ocular microsurgery.