How to Protect Your Eyes from Lasers

Lasers are more risky than most people understand, and your eyes are the most vulnerable to laser damage. Lots of people, accustomed to seeing lasers used as pointers, in films and to put on amazing shows, don’t understand the risk. Used properly, lasers are helpful for many applications, but every person should learn how to protect their eyes, even from low power laser beams. People who work with strong lasers in scientific laborites, industries, or medical institutions need to completely understand the risk and how to protect themselves.

How lasers damage eyes

•  All laser light beams carry heat and power. And the more concentrated and strong the beam of light, the more heat it transmits. They are also more risky the shorter the pulses duration.
  
  
• Little, highly focused beams of light go through your lens and cornea, which targets the light even more, so it hits any little spot on your retina, damaging photoreceptor cells. This causes a permanent or temporary blind spot before you can blink.
  
  
•  Strong lasers in the visible to near-infrared spectrum (400 to 1400 nanometers) heat your full retina.
  
  
• Your eyes lens absorbs laser beam with a 400 nanometers wavelength, which raises the risk of cataracts. That could your lens, stopping your vision.
•  Your cornea absorbs laser beams with a 300 nanometers wavelength and beams in the high infrared range, which can inflame them, known as photokeratitis, or more seriously burn them.
  
  
• The human eye cannot view infrared laser light. So, such a beam can destroy your eye without even triggering your blinking reflex.
  
  
• A wider laser beam can cause temporary flash blindness just like any other very bright light when it shines directly into your eyes before your blinking reflex can work.

Symptoms of laser eye injuries

•  The intensity of damage caused is based on the laser beam wavelength reflected or absorbed. Anyway, the signs and symptoms of laser eye injuries include:
  
  
• Burn sensation in the exposed area of the eyes, largely in the sclera or cornea, this generally happens when the eyes are naked to an invisible laser beam of 10,56nm wavelength.
  
  
• The difficulty in distinguishing between blue and green colors is a sign of damage to the retina pigmentation.
  
  
• Viewing the green flash which then changes to red when seeing green laser light
  
  
• The sudden blindness that gradually disappears within a few seconds
  
  
• Gradual loss of vision may be observed mainly with painless retinal damages.

Laser classification according to their risk

The American National Standard institute issued its Z136 standards classifying lasers according to the danger they pose.

Take precautions with all lasers type

Laser pointers are Class 1, which are usually safe. Anyway, the classification guesses everybody use the item as designed. Laser pointers as rightly used pose no risk. Anyway, there is a case on record of an eleven year old girl who temporarily destroyed her eye by starting directly at a pointers beam. So, people should treat every laser with respect. Even with lasers, don’t stare at the dot or the beam.

Light show safety

In the America, the FDA and some state agencies manage the use of laser light shows. Those require beams with high power and so do pose some danger. Entertainment venues use beamstops to end the beams before they cause any issue. The most general way of avoiding risk to the audience is to shine the beams over the heads of the audience, thus avoiding the eyes of the audience. This is the general practice in the America. In some countries, producers scan the laser beams at the audience but must do so quick enough to keep their exposure in safe area.

Motor vehicle and airplane safety

It is now against the laws to shine a laser light on a motor vehicle or airplane. You could cause flash blindness in the driver or the pilot, making them lose control and crash.

Is Arkfeld Pro Flat EDC Flashlight with laser safe?

The Arfkeld pro torch incorporates a Class 3R laser, which is capable of emitting power up to 5mW. While this laser type is less risky than Class 3B, it can still pose serious risks. Directly starring into the Class 3R laser beam, even for just a few seconds, can potentially cause damage to the retina. So, it is important to exercise caution when using Arkfeld pro. Avoid looking directly beam to stop eye injury. By adhering to these safety practices, you can rightly use the flashlight laser spec while reducing the risk of harm.

How to protect the eyes from laser level damages?

• The eyes are the light of the body and are also the sensitive organ of the body when using a laser level or laser measure.
  
  
• Using laser protective glasses is one of the top ways to protect your eyes from laser damages but how do you pick the right protective eyewear.
  
  
• The tips below might be capable to help.
  
  
• Know the laser level wavelength. Consult a certified laser safety officer is you are not capable to determine the wavelength of your device.
  
  
• Check your lasers manual to find the advice or determine the level of protection you need based on your lasers output parameters and wavelength.
  
  
• Look for a frame that matches you. Pick a fit-over frame for prescription options.

Safety tips for eyes

Forever check the type of laser your laser level device has before use. You should be extremely alert when using laser levels with powerful laser power.

• Try as much as possible to enclose or confine the laser beam.
  
  
• Do not stare at the beam or expose yourself
  
  
• Make use of fluorescent screens to line up the beams.
  
  
• Use the lowest power when aligning the beams.
  
  

 For inside use, be sure to keep your rooms well-lighted. You can tighten your pupils to permit lesser eye accommodation of the laser beam.