How do stage laser lights damage eyesight?

What are lasers?

Laser, short for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation – Amplifying light by stimulated emission, is being widely used in the entertainment field. This technology combines with other optical devices such as projection screens, mirror balls, remote projectors and fiber optic cables, creating colorful and impressive performances.

A basic laser consists of a closed tube containing a pair of mirrors and a laser medium. This medium is excited by energy to produce visible light, or invisible ultraviolet or infrared radiation. Unlike regular light, which has many wavelengths and spreads in all directions, laser light has a specific wavelength, concentrated into a narrow beam and high intensity at long distances.

Where and how are lasers used?

Lasers are used in many different events and venues: music festivals, restaurants, nightclubs, theatrical events, meeting venues, fixed light shows, laser effects combined with fireworks flowers, art displays and advertising, laser video projection systems, art and entertainment lighting…

When used properly by professionals, laser lighting provides dramatic effects for entertainment events.

Lasers can cause injury, but light shows that comply with safety regulations will keep the lasers away from the audience. For shows where laser beams may shine into the crowd, the power of the laser is kept below dangerous levels.

Risks when using lasers

Improper use of lasers can pose a number of risks such as: eye damage, skin burns, explosions, and other safety hazards to pilots, drivers, and others who may be distracted or temporarily distracted. time cannot see.

How do stage laser lights damage eyesight?

Harmful capacity

According to doctors, class 3 laser lights (with output power from 5 mW – 500 mW) and 4 (with high power over 500 mW) are dangerous for the human body, especially sensitive areas such as the skin and teeth. eye. Green, red, and yellow lasers are produced at different wavelengths.

Poona Ophthalmology Society (POS) last year issued a warning about the potential risk of laser lights, especially those with a power greater than 5 mW, to the retina. Exposure to laser beams can cause symptoms such as eye damage, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and tearing. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, laser lights with a power greater than 5 MW can cause retinal damage and permanent blindness. The laser beam should be directed upward or toward the sky to avoid shining into other people’s eyes.

When looking directly

According to the organization’s representative, looking directly at the laser light can cause serious eye damage, even permanent vision loss in severe cases.

There have been cases of patients experiencing retinal hemorrhage and swelling due to exposure to laser light. If the delicate blood vessels in the retina come into direct contact with the laser, there is a risk of bleeding that can impair vision.

During long-term exposure

POS member eye surgeon Sanjay Patil also said that long-term exposure to laser beams can cause minor problems such as temporary loss of vision, reduced vision, headaches and eye pain for a few minutes. up to a few days.

In case of serious complications, it can lead to retinal hemorrhage, damage that cannot be reversed even after treatment. Bleeding in the center of the retina can cause irreversible vision loss.

Measures to prevent eye damage

• Use laser lights with power less than 5 mW.
• Keep a safe distance from the laser light and make sure not to shine it directly into your eyes. Be especially careful with children.
• Aim the laser beam upward or toward the sky to avoid shining into other people’s eyes.
• Required registration and compliance with instructions for laser shows.
• See an ophthalmologist immediately if you have eye problems caused by the laser light.