100 mW laser (red) How dangerous?

[Kirby-Morgan]

Hey dudes, I'm looking at getting a laser ordered and set-up.

Thing is, when I'm assembling it I'm mulling over whether to get goggles ordered in as well.

It's 'only' 100mW in power, do i need to be wearing goggles all the time?
I won't be wanting to fire it into my eyeballs so really don't see what the fuss is about. But you guys know more so what's the lowdown.

this will be used as a sighting aid on a xbow.

Comments and feedback appreciated

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

Re: 100 mW laser (red)  How dangerous?

If you will be doing close focus activities -- GET PROTECTION. I hate to see reports of eye damage.

Mike

 

[RA_pierce]

Re: 100 mW laser (red)  How dangerous?

Generally, if you're only using it at point at targets in excess of a few meters, no you don't really need them. But most would recommend them if you're using it to play around with.
Just be safe, no eye exposure obviously.

 

[LRMNmeyer]

Re: 100 mW laser (red)  How dangerous?

Also, remember that reflections can be as dangerous as the unaltered beam!

 

[GooeyGus]

Re: 100 mW laser (red)  How dangerous?

If we say you need to wear goggles all the time are you going to do it?

 

[Switch]

Re: 100 mW laser (red)  How dangerous?

If you're using it as a sight there's no point in wearing goggles since visibility is the main point you're using it in the first place.Besides, unless you're gonna go hunting mirrors with the crossbow you'll be fine. :-/

Also , I you wanna shoot somebody's car, watch out for reflections from the windshield/windows.

 

[keeperx]

Re: 100 mW laser (red)  How dangerous?

here is my take on the situation..

#1 BUY goggles
#2 wear them anytime you are burning, looking at the dot closely, anytime there is a possibility reflection (around mirrors, unknown enviroments)
#3 dont wear goggles when you are pointing at things or deliberately (and safely) trying to view the beam

#4 when in doubt, wear them.

#5 if you dont know when to be in doubt, then always wear them.

 

[lazerguy]

Re: 100 mW laser (red)  How dangerous?

Very well spoken, keeperx, I agree with you to 100%.

If you will be using it as a sight on a crossbow, then you will not need any goggles (unless your targets are mirrors). But I think you would like to do some other things with it as well, like burning. And then you need goggles.

 

[keeperx]

Re: 100 mW laser (red)  How dangerous?

even if you are using it as a crossbow sight or other static pointer application that places you in the "safe zone" you should still OWN goggles just in case you need them.

and to answer the topic title.. 100mw of red (or any color/uv/ir) can cause serious damage to your eyes if they sustain a direct hit.