Recovery from macular phototoxicity after corneal triple procedure.

Purpose: Visual recovery from macular phototoxicity in 2 cases after prolonged exposure to operating microscope light from uncomplicated corneal triple-procedure surgery. Recovery is discussed in the context of repair and regeneration.

Methods: Retrospective case reports.

Results: Immediately postoperatively, both patients reported positive scotomata and were found to have macular retinal pigment epithelial depigmentation. In 1 case, the fovea was involved. By 6 to 12 months, the scotomata had disappeared despite large areas of retinal pigment epithelial hyperpigmentation remaining.

Conclusion: Recovery from macular phototoxicity occurs, although the mechanism remains unclear. Positive scotomata in these cases resolved over several months. The time scale of recovery was consistent with the time required for cellular replacement and possible differentiation from neural progenitor cells.