Laser pointers can cause permanent retinal injury if used inappropriately

Editor,—The authors previously published a brief report in a widely circulated ophthalmic review periodical (Eye News) on the potential risk of permanent injury from the inappropriate use of laser pens.1 The article had been prompted by two events—firstly, a flood of reported cases in the popular media of the “blinding” effects of laser pens pointed at drivers, soccer goalkeepers, and members of the general public, and, secondly, the referral to our department for clinical assessment of police and fire service personnel who had been exposed to laser pen light. Examination of the clinical cases demonstrated no permanent injury. We were also asked to review data determined for a number of laser pens that had been subjected to analysis by Edinburgh Environmental and Consumer Services Department. Many of these laser pens were mislabelled, either by exhibiting American standard classification (different from European), or simply by being inaccurately classified. Subsequently, a number of laser pens have been sent to us for examination, pending police investigations. Many of these lasers are class 3B devices according to the European laser classification, and are therefore considered potentially hazardous. None the less, we concluded that the normal blink and aversion response would prevent retinal damage from transient exposure. However, it had also been brought to our attention that the cost of these laser pens, and laser key rings, was such that they were being purchased by children. A new version of the traditional, and dangerous children's “game” of “chicken” had developed in relation to these new “toys”, the game of “chicken” being won by the child who could stare directly into the laser beam for the longest period. We concluded, “this makes lasers potentially very dangerous in the hands of children”. Fortunately, trading standards agencies throughout the UK have moved to ban …