Solar Retinopathy from Religious Sun Gazing: A Case Report

Objective: To report a case of a 42-year-old male who developed bilateral solar retinopathy from two-decade history of religious sun gazing. Methods: This is a case report. Results: Patient presented with a visual acuity of 20/70 OD and 20/50 OS that improved with pinhole to 20/20. Amsler grid testing revealed the presence of bilateral central scotoma. Fundus exam showed yellowwhite foveolar lesions in both eyes. Optical coherence tomography scan of the macula showed a gap in the retinal pigment epithelium line at the central fovea with generalized macular thinning in both eyes. These corresponded with window-defect hyperfluorescent dots in the foveal avascular zone on fluorescein angiography. These clinical findings and the history of sun gazing are consistent with solar retinopathy. Conclusion: We report a rare case of a 42-year-old male with subtle findings solar retinopathy. Careful examination and high index of suspicion are needed for correct diagnosis. Avoiding direct sun-gazing, use of protective UV filters, and remote observation thru videography and the like are recommended.