Laser Pointer Eye Injuries and Laser Safety Eye Protection

Laser pointers are useful when used at a business meeting to point out areas of interest on a chart or graph, and very amusing when the kitty chases them around the floor. But, innocuous as they seem, even the weakest of laser pointers can do damage if the eye is exposed to them directly for a length of time.

Visual disturbances and sometimes damage of the retina or cornea can develop from exposure to a laser pointer. Though it may seem silly, eye protection may be necessary to avoid injuries that arise from exposure to laser pointers. There is nothing funny about loss of vision caused by ?playing? with a laser pointer, so handle them carefully and use them only as intended.

Proper eyewear can filter the laser wavelengths and protect the eye. Many places of work have banned laser pointers as being a hazard already, especially with children. Most authorities recommend that children not be allowed to play with laser pointers, as the risks far outweigh the fun. Many schools do not allow them to be used for this reason.

The message is one of safety. Protect your eyes and never look directly at the light from a laser pointer. Also be aware of the direction it is being pointed. Never point it toward other people. Point it only at the graph or chart. If it is not needed at a particular point, point it at the ceiling or, better yet, turn it off. There are relatively low incidences of adults sustaining permanent injuries from laser pointers, but it is a possibility, especially when using the more high-powered lasers.

So be careful and if necessary, use protection. Follow all the safety precautions listed in the instructions that accompanied the laser pointer. Your eyes will thank you.

Nathan Waterman certified in industrial PPE use and OSHA requirements writes for www.safety-glasses-n-goggles.com and recently reported on industrial prescription safety glasses.

Laser Safety Eye Protection - Don't Take A Chance

When it comes to working with lasers, safety is paramount. Not only are lasers very powerful, but the human eye is particularly sensitive to laser light. Retinal and corneal damage can occur very easily and can be impossible to reverse. The retina is the surface at the back of the eye that transmits images to the optic nerve. The hazards of laser light here are obvious, as many lasers have the power to burn through this delicate tissue. Permanent blindness can result from this exposure to laser light if proper eye protection is not used.

The motto must therefore be prevention rather than cure. The best and most efficient way of preventing laser damage is wearing laser safety glasses. These are special glasses specifically designed to block certain wavelengths of laser light that could damage eyesight.

When choosing a pair of laser safety glasses, ensure that they are designed for the type of laser you are using. They should allow a large field of vision and be comfortable if you are going to be wearing them for protracted periods. They should also be a good fit. You don?t want them to slip around as this can result in injury due to impaired field of vision.

It can be a challenge to find the right pair of glasses, ones that do not impair vision, but protect it none the less. There can occasionally be issues with the user sweating into the glasses. This is unpleasant and can be a danger if vision is compromised. Thus, the eyewear you choose should be comfortable, as uncomfortable eyewear often results in people failing to wear it at all.

This raises the most important part of laser safety, wearing the safety glasses. You can have the best protection in the world, but it will do you no good at all sitting on the bench next to you.

Nathan Waterman trained and certified in industrial PPE use writes for http://www.safety-glasses-n-goggles.com recently discussed safety eyewear for sports.