Long-Term Visual Impairment From a Military Weapon Laser: A Case Study of a French Soldier

Laser exposure is known to pose a significant risk to ocular structures and has been associated with severe retinal injuries. This report describes the case of a 21-year-old French paratrooper who sustained a photo-induced injury to his left eye following accidental exposure to a modified Class 3R laser during a military operation. The laser exposure occurred at close range (approximately 1 m) and resulted in an immediate central visual field defect. Initial ophthalmologic evaluation revealed macular damage characterized by a central scar. Over the following three years, the patient underwent regular clinical assessments, including optical coherence tomography (OCT). These evaluations documented a progressive decline in visual function and structural changes in the retina. OCT imaging showed thickening of the retinal pigment epithelium and elongation of photoreceptors, indicating worsening macular pathology. By the end of the three-year follow-up, the patient experienced a significant reduction in visual acuity. This case highlights the long-term consequences of laser-induced maculopathy and the need for preventive measures in the military.