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Dumb friend shined a laser in my eye

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deathfromabove

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Okay, so first of all, I will pre-warn everyone that I am a hypochondriac.

But today one of my friends shined a red laser in my eye while he was playing with it; it happened three times, all of which I either blinked or attempted to cover my eye so the contact was minimal but it did happen & of course I'm freaking out that there was permanent damage done (which is why I found this forum).

Here are the specs for the laser (it was a laser pen-type of object with a pen-clip):
max output <5mW
class IIIa
wavelength 650 nm +- 10

I don't notice any spots or blurriness. I suppose my eye might feel different, but as I said, I am a hypochondriac & my mind tends to invent symptoms when I'm freaked out about something.
 





jcranmer

jcranmer

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You are most likely fine, but it's impossible for anyone here to say for sure. The warning stickers on lasers are nearly all worthless. Most of the 5mw lasers are only labeled that way so they can be imported into the us.

There are several "eye tests" posts around here you can check out if you can find them with the search function. (if not someone will post them eventually). These are in no way conclusive but they might help put your mind at ease.

The only way to know for certain. Is get a professional eye exam by someone trained to do them.
 
ZRaffleticket

ZRaffleticket

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I was referencing the "stare" comment. It's never a good idea to stare into a laser, regardless of any power/wavelength. Chances are if it's one of those staples pointers or cat toys (or other $1 lasers) you're fine. But the best way is to check with a professional, IF there is a problem it caused, a professional can help. The power isn't significant enough to cause too much damage, unless you stare into it...

I warn about staring into lasers because 5mW lasers are generally "safe" to eyes as they are a low enough power that your blink reflex is enough to prevent damage, if you stare into it, well, your blink reflex means nothing.
 
T

Things

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5mW into the eye isn't going to do anything, you get waayy more than that even just looking at a 60W lightbulb. Once you start going over 10-20mW is when you should get worried.
 
The Baron

The Baron

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I want to test if I have any eye damage from using my lasers just out of curiosity. What kind of doctor should i see?
 
The Baron

The Baron

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-.- i mean like I dont want to go the the doctor that perscribes you glasses
 
Jacob32123

Jacob32123

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deathfromabove

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TheDukeAnumber1 said:
deathfromabove is a very interesting name for a hypochondriac.
Click to expand...
True, I was in a hurry to post my question & I came up with that name quickly; it's a reference to the band, "Death From Above 1979."
But no, not a troll, silvershot, just legitimately freaked out.

Thanks for the comments though. I tried a couple of those eye tests, jcranmer, the Amsler Grid & one involving a white screen, & those showed no issue. I'm due for an eye exam at the end of August anyway, so I'll probably mention this to him.

Based on your answers & reading around on this forum some more, it looks like the only possibility that it caused damage would be if it was "over-spec," so I'll just really hope it wasn't "over-spec."
I still haven't noticed any vision changes or blurriness. I did feel eyestrain later last night though, but I hope that's due to being on a computer all day & not related to the laser pointer.
 
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