Laser device risks to the eye: Warning of permanent vision loss

Dr. Mohammed Nader, a specialist in ophthalmology and eye surgery, issued a strongly worded medical warning through the newspaper “Al-Youm” about the serious risks posed by small laser pointers and recreational laser pointers, indicating that the random use of these devices could cost a person their sight in less than one second.

The mechanism of injury: How does light burn the retina?

Dr. Nader explained that the danger lies in the physical nature of the laser beam; it is highly concentrated and energetic light. When this beam is directed at the eye, the cornea and lens act as a natural magnifying lens, collecting and focusing this light energy with extreme precision onto a very small point in the center of vision (the retina). This process increases the energy density thousands of times, resulting in immediate thermal burns and photochemical damage to the light-sensitive cells.

He added: “The major problem is that the retina does not contain pain receptors, which means that an injured person, especially children, may suffer a retinal burn without feeling any immediate pain, and they do not realize the disaster until their vision has deteriorated.”.

Laser classifications and unregulated markets

In discussing the different types of these devices, experts pointed out that lasers are internationally classified into several classes. Class 1 and Class 2 are considered relatively safe for accidental human use, as the eye automatically closes (blinks) before damage occurs. However, parallel markets and online stores are now flooded with devices from Class 3A, Class 3B, and even Class 4, which are intended for industrial, military, and medical purposes, and are sold at very low prices as children's toys.

Dr. Nader emphasized that many cheap imported devices do not carry accurate rating labels, and their actual power may be many times greater than what is advertised, making them extremely dangerous tools in the hands of non-specialists.

Symptoms and warning signs

Dr. Nader explained that the infection may appear immediately or develop within hours, and the symptoms include:

• Appearance of a fixed black spot (darkness) in the center of the field of vision.
• Sudden blurred vision and difficulty reading or recognizing faces.
• Seeing straight lines as if they are zigzag or wavy.

He stressed the need to immediately consult an ophthalmologist when exposed to a direct laser beam, to conduct accurate examinations such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) to determine the extent of the damage, although damaged retinal cells often do not regenerate, making prevention the only treatment.

Social responsibility and child protection

The doctor concluded by emphasizing that protecting children is a shared responsibility between families and regulatory bodies. He advised against purchasing any laser device that lacks clear information about the manufacturer and beam power, and to completely avoid green lasers for recreational purposes, as they are often high-energy and more dangerous to the human eye than traditional red lasers.