Hand-held Lasers or Laser Pointers May Cause Serious Vision Damage If Used Improperly

Health Canada is warning Canadians about the dangers of misusing hand-held lasers or laser pointers. Their high-intensity light beams could pose a threat to the unprotected eye. Looking directly into a beam from a laser for even a fraction of a second could cause permanent eye damage, depending on the power of the beam. Damage levels will increase if the laser beam is projected through a piece of optical equipment, like a telescope or binoculars. In these situations, the laser beam could actually burn a tiny spot, or cut open a blood vessel, on the retina at the back of the eye. In a worst-case scenario, the person could go blind.

Physical hazard

When buying a laser pointer, choose one that has a clear warning on the label. Carefully read and follow all manufacturers' instructions on the product packaging. Never point a laser beam at anyone, and never look directly into the beam yourself. Never aim a laser pointer at surfaces that would reflect the light back, like mirrors or mirrored surfaces. Never leave a laser pointer within the reach of children.