Eye expert calls for laser pen clampdown
A British expert has warned of the harmful effect that laser pen exposure can have on vision following a spate of recent attacks on aircraft.
A British expert has warned of the harmful effect that laser pen exposure can have on vision following a spate of recent attacks on aircraft.
Stephen Hannan, clinical services director at Optical Express, spoke out after a number of air ambulance helicopters in the UK were targeted with laser pens. Hannan said that tougher laws, along with a greater awareness of the dangers, could potentially stop some people from misusing powerful laser pens. The optometrist explained: “Laser attacks on pilots are on the increase, and it’s only a matter of time before something serious happens. The problem is that people who misuse powerful laser pens don’t actually understand the incredibly harmful effect they can have on vision.” When viewed directly, powerful lasers can cause irreversible eye injury by burning the retina, noted Hannan, adding that looking at a laser beam for just a few seconds can cause ‘devastating’ damage.
Sudden exposure to a laser beam during a critical phase of flight such as take-off or landing is also a risk, said Hannan: “[This] could seriously distract or disorient a pilot, potentially leading to catastrophe.”
There are other possible side-effects, said Hannan, such as glare, which can cause reduced vision, and flash blindness, which obliterates a portion or all of a pilot’s visual field and causes the occurrence of after images: “Flash blindness is similar to, but much more intense than, the reaction to a strobe flash from a camera or the reflection of bright sunlight from a window, windshield or mirror – and it lasts much longer.”
Hannan, who Optical Express said has over 20 years’ experience in treating eye conditions, also urged caution over the purchase and use of laser pens: “Laser pens should be bought from reputable retailers and those who already own laser pens to ensure they follow the safety instructions. As these devices are increasingly powerful, I would urge anyone who thinks they have looked at a laser to consult an optometrist. Those who have suffered laser exposure should also refrain from rubbing their eye and possibly inducing further injury.”