Commotio retinae (Berlin’s edema): Damage to the retina’s outer layers from a shock wave caused by a blunt trauma or blast injury to the eye. The shock wave produces swelling and degeneration of the retinal layers. It may be central, and so involve the macula, or peripheral, and so not involve the macula. In commotion retinae, the retina appears grey-white in color and swollen; there may be pigment mottling and even a cherry red spot. Damage to the vessels in the retina’s nerve fiber layer and to its photoreceptors may occur. Although most cases resolve in several weeks, damage can be permanent.
Commotio retinae (Berlin’s edema) medical expert witness specialties include ophthalmology, ocular trauma, and retina-vitreous ophthalmology.