Eye Damage Question

Hi Everyone,

Yet another concerned individual looking for some expert advice, I have searched the forum for similar topics but can't find one specific to a device like this.

I DJ of a weekend and usually check all my lights the night before I'm working, I own one of these:

Minute Adjustment Mini Laser Stage Disco Party DJ Light | eBay

Now on the front it also says class 3B laser device, now I'm sure you can see where this is going. Through a little carelessness it was pointing toward me as I plugged it in and I got a split second of it in the eye, naturally I moved my face as fast as I could. I didn't really get any bad light spots and could still read small print, my eye felt a little sore last night but I'm not sure if thats more paranoia or rubbing it a little. This morning there is still a hint of soreness and maybe a little bluriness again not sure if this is paranoia.

The burning question is how likely is it damage has occured and how bad could it be?

Thanks so much for any advice it would be much appreciated.

Was it single static beam or dispersed or fast moving beam ? If we know it's 3B we still don't know the power, it can be anything from 5mW to 500mW (IIRC).
Static beam could be a problem, moving or dispersed would most probably by fine.
Soreness has nothing to do with it, this kind of injury does not hurt at all.
Were you dazzled by the laser ? Did you see afterimages ? If so, how long ?

Here is one of the more informative threads here, a bit scary too:

http://laserpointerforums.com/f53/hit-eye-1000mw-445nm-blue-laser-69469.html

On the other hand that was static class 4 from close, so don't panic.

Thank you for the detailed reply much appreciated.

I am no expert with lasers I will confess so I can't answer the question regarding static etc with any authority, this youtube video somebody has filmed is pretty much the same device I'm sure:

Mini laser stage lighting - YouTube

Does that have any indications whether its static or dispersed?

The ebay seller I originally bought it from lists the spec as follows:

Dynamic star sky

Animated moving star cloud

Fully adjustable motion speed

Rohs & CE approved

Power: AC power supply input 110V-240V / 50-60Hz, output 5.0V / 1.0-1.5A

Wavelength/power: 532nm / 30mw ( Green ), 650nm / 100mw( Red )

Dimension: 130*92*52 mm

Net Weight: 0.6 kg

I didn't really have any major noticeable after images, if pain is not a part of the problem then that must just be a case of mind over matter. I can still read small text no problem, have tried the usual dot in the middle of a square test, the eye does feel a slightly blurry but then again not sure if this is me focusing majorly on it.

Any thoughts would be really appreciated. I have booked an eye test for tomorrow as was overdue one anyway - is this a waste of time as an ophthalmologist would be needed not an optician?

If the laser was in this mode when it happened, you will be fine. The beam is divided into many weaker beams, it is designed to be used without goggles like this.
Ask doctor to make you a retina picture, any damage should be visible. But I think you'll be fine. You can get strong afterimages lasting for minutes and not have any damage. Weak or no afterimages usually means no damage.

As a standard, these are usually supposed to be ~30mW of green, and ~100mW. In reality they could be a bit over or under spec. Regardless though, they are basically harmless. Unless you set it to not move and stared into it... you have nothing to worry about.

I bought, and used three as gifts to date... LPMed the scattered beams out of curiosity... they were 1mW at best.

Chances are the soreness you're experiencing is from rubbing your eyes. So uhm... stop rubbing them

If you are concerned though, go visit and ophthalmologist... tell him to check your retina, and if you wear glasses... you'll have an updated prescription, if nothing else.

you're fine, unless you mount it in your face

yep probably fine. just get over it and be careful next time.

I asked about it during an eye test today and the retina picture showed no damage of any description.

It has taught me a lesson to be more careful in future, I'd like to thank everyone especially Dr Sid and Infinitus for your detailed replies, much appreciated everyone thank you all very much! All the best :thanks:

When I was a kid I tried to make a "laser" in my room by channelling sunlight into my room and focusing to a point with an old microscope. I remember nailing myself in the eye. 27years later I still have a small black spot that shows up in my periferal on sunny days. Hard to believe my love for lasers started when i was 9.