Pointers on Laser Pointers

The risk of retinal injury from Class 2 and visible Class 3R lasers, including medical laser aiming beams

“…from radiation from Class 2 laser exceeding exposure durations of 0.25 s or from Class 3R lasers is, however, not well characterized. A number of publications deal with the practical issues and qualitative risk associated with laser pointers [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17], but pertinent retinal injury threshold data have so far not been reviewed comprehensively. Recently, we have developed a computer model [18] that was validated against all relevant non-human primate (NHP) damage threshold data.…”

Chorioretinal Injury Caused by Presumed Laser Dazzler

“…A Humphrey visual field test 30-2 performed prior to dilation revealed a paracentral scotoma in the left eye consistent with the chorioretinal scars noted on exam. The patient was followed for over one year and there was no improvement of vision, progression of chorioretinal scarring, development of subreintal fluid or signs of choroidal neovascularization were observed [3][4][5].…”

Retinal Laser Injury During a Laser Show

“…3 Laser classification is based on the potential of a beam to cause biologic damage from unintentional viewing. 2 The US Food and Drug Administration's Center for Devices and Radiologic Health regulates the manufacture of commercial laser products. Manufacturers are required to classify laser products as Class 1, 2, 3A, 3B, or 4; certify by means of product labels; and submit a report demonstrating that requirements of compliance standards are met.…”