Dr Ananya Mandal, MD
In a new warning eye specialists say that hand held laser pointing devices could lead to serious eye damage if used inappropriately. This warning came from the Royal Liverpool Hospital and Manchester Eye Hospital after a teenager developed eye problems after laser light was shone into his eyes.
The British Medical Journal reported that he suffered burns and retinal damage. The adolescent had bought a green, diode laser pointer over the internet and, while playing with it, shone the laser beam into his eyes. He then developed eye problems that showed up as central scotomas, or dark spots, in his vision. Dr Kimia Ziahosseini and colleagues from the two hospitals were involved in his treatment. At present after two months of the incident his vision is normal but he is likely to develop eye problems later.
The Health Protection Agency announced in a statement that although similar reports have not been seen elsewhere a warning that laser pointers with limited power (less than 1 Milliwatt) should be sold needs to be issued. This is in accordance with the British Standard. The HPA also said that laser pointers should also be accompanied by sufficient information on how to operate them safely.
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