A while ago I had an incident with laser eye damage and posted about it to a thread on candlepowerforums, and the thread became a sticky.
My update is here:
CandlePowerForums
Some details are outlined in the update but the original thread can give more on the two cases documented.
The purpose of this thread is to add some gravity to your current sticky regarding the 1W blue laser and laser safety. Because when individuals are told "you can permanently damage your eyes, for life," it simply does not entirely register until they read a personal account, with relatable descriptions, or it happens to them. More focus should be put on ensuring everyone understands the capability and potential of harm that they now easily flick around in their hand as they wield small lasers that are at a power level that once was only available as $5000 desk-mounted units intended for laboratories.
If adding a super annoying thorough splash screen and some links to safety information during the registration process for this forum ensures that even one person does not make a dumb mistake such as not wearing goggles regardless of how safe they think their handling or environment is, it was worth it. I call for more education and informative protocol, because although we all know how strong these lasers are, the consequences don't register until you experience their repercussions yourself. And, in the case that laser damage is done, ensuring that a person knows to get themselves to relevant medical professionals, quickly, is important.
Recognize the absolutely ridiculous capability of the device you have access to, and also recognize that the fact that it fits snugly in your hand does not take away from this capability. I once saw a 1 W, 445 nm laser on a local classifieds board for 80 dollars. It has ZERO safety features - no delay start, aperture cover, key lock, etc. Just a rear click on-off switch. Removing the batteries is the only thing that provides a safeguard. Examine the units you have and how easy it may be to misfire, and be safe!
Cheers!
My update is here:
CandlePowerForums
Some details are outlined in the update but the original thread can give more on the two cases documented.
The purpose of this thread is to add some gravity to your current sticky regarding the 1W blue laser and laser safety. Because when individuals are told "you can permanently damage your eyes, for life," it simply does not entirely register until they read a personal account, with relatable descriptions, or it happens to them. More focus should be put on ensuring everyone understands the capability and potential of harm that they now easily flick around in their hand as they wield small lasers that are at a power level that once was only available as $5000 desk-mounted units intended for laboratories.
If adding a super annoying thorough splash screen and some links to safety information during the registration process for this forum ensures that even one person does not make a dumb mistake such as not wearing goggles regardless of how safe they think their handling or environment is, it was worth it. I call for more education and informative protocol, because although we all know how strong these lasers are, the consequences don't register until you experience their repercussions yourself. And, in the case that laser damage is done, ensuring that a person knows to get themselves to relevant medical professionals, quickly, is important.
Recognize the absolutely ridiculous capability of the device you have access to, and also recognize that the fact that it fits snugly in your hand does not take away from this capability. I once saw a 1 W, 445 nm laser on a local classifieds board for 80 dollars. It has ZERO safety features - no delay start, aperture cover, key lock, etc. Just a rear click on-off switch. Removing the batteries is the only thing that provides a safeguard. Examine the units you have and how easy it may be to misfire, and be safe!
Cheers!
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