A study from the UK Highlights the Dangers of Laser Pointers

Authored By:

Chen et al

Summary:

This case series study examined the clinical features of laser pointer related injuries to the eye in children in the UK. A total of 9 children (aged 9-15 years, with injuries to 12 eyes), admitted for eye injuries induced by laser pointers were recruited into the study. All children were healthy prior to injury. Of the 9 children, 3 had deteriorating vision when examined while the remainder were asymptomatic but were referred to the clinic by optometrists who noted incidental macular changes. Exposure to a laser pointer was confirmed in 8 of the 9 cases. The patients were followed up for an average of 25.6 months following the initial referral. The structural macula changes persisted in all cases at follow up, and in one case there was progression in the macula lesion size. The authors conclude that although children may present as asymptomatic there can be permanent structural damage to the macula following a laser pointer exposure to the eye. This can progressively get worse and result in further complications.

Link to:

The Danger of Laser Pointer–Induced Retinal Damage in Children: A Large United Kingdom Case Series and Survey of Public Awareness

Published In:

Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus

Commentary by ARPANSA:

All laser pointers that are available to the Australian public must have a power output of less than 1 milliwatt (1 mW). Lasers with an output below this are considered safe for accidental exposure due to the low risk of injury to the eye. Protection from laser pointers that comply with this limit occurs as a result of the human instinct called the ‘aversion response’. Laser pointers with power output above 1 mW are prohibited for importation into Australia under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956. Unfortunately, Australian studies have shown that handheld laser pointers available to the public are not always labelled correctly and may emit energy at harmful levels above 1 mW. In one study, the majority of laser pointers imported into Australia when tested failed to meet the output restriction with outputs well above 1 mW (Wheatley, 2013). ARPANSA is providing advice on laser safety on its website to promote risk awareness and assist in responsible use of handheld laser products. ARPANSA is also working with online marketplaces to address the issue and in particular to facilitate sellers’ compliance with existing regulations.