In early July 2008, the central eye clinic in the Russian capital was overwhelmed by young people with severe vision problems. They had all attended a rave party during which a big laser show was held.
At least 29 subjects were found to have burns at the retinal level, with a concomitant reduction in vision that varied according to the topography of the lesion. The most severe cases reached levels of visual reduction up to 80%.
On the occasion of the accident with the Laser that was made at the concert in Moscow we refer to the properties and the consequences of the use of Laserin our daily life.
A laser is a beam of light that is produced in a special way and its main characteristic is that it contains much more energy than the simple light of the sun or a lamp. This extra energy is what makes Lasers a useful tool in technology and medicine.
Beyond the purely scientific (medical - surgical) application, Lasers have a great application in technology and in everyday life. There are many professions that use Lasers for various technical issues (cutting metal and other materials, cleaning surfaces, etc.). Their applicators are required to use protective goggles during their application. These special glasses absorb the energy of the laser beams in case they are accidentally directed towards the eyes. Otherwise there is a high risk of damage to vision, which in many cases can be permanent.
Similarly, in medical-surgical use, the practitioner as well as those present at the application site must wear the required protective goggles, which are different for each type of Laser.
As far as Lasers used in entertainment (concerts, nightclubs, Disco) are concerned, they are generally harmless because the intensity used is very low, as much as it is needed to make them visible and nothing more.
However, the specifications of the manufacturers of the Lasers state that the Laser beam must not be directed and aimed at the heads - eyes - of the people who are having fun and this to avoid the slightest possibility of an accident.
Therefore, we should not create a false impression that lasers are dangerous and that their use should be avoided.
Another source of Laser, are Laser pointers which are used to point out objects at a distance or to assist speakers during their lecture. These Laser pointers produce very low energy light beams which are red in colour and are visible in low light environments.
Unfortunately, however, in recent years they have become a toy in the hands of young children. Part of this children's play is unfortunately pointing at their face and their eyes. But if this low-energy laser beam passes through the pupil of the eye and finds its way to the macular area it can cause temporary or permanent damage to the macula (burn). The result will be a rapid transient or permanent reduction in central vision.
For this reason such Laser pointers should not be in the hands of children at all.
It has been observed in basketball games that some young fans of one team aim a laser pointer at the players of the opposing team while they are aiming under the basket at free throws. This is a huge irresponsibility that can cause great harm to the unsuspecting player. Such Laser pointers should be removed when fans enter the courts along with other dangerous objects (coins, firecrackers, bottles, etc.).
To conclude my reference to Lasers, it should be said that Lasers are a very useful tool that technology had offered to improve our working conditions. So as with all tools we should show due respect in their use and take the necessary precautions.
