Is It Safe to look at the laser dot?

[rebel4evr114]

I recently got a 150mw Endeavor from Nova Lasers and it is one hell of a laser, i couldn't be more impressed. I am going to do review on it once i get my camera which should be tomorrow. Anyways, I still don't have protection goggles yet and i was wondering if it is okay to look at the dot when shined on the floor or wall? It seems like it will hurt your eyes similar to looking at a welding light because it is so bright. At the same time these lasers have an IR filter so i am confused if it is okay to look at the dot in close rage?

 

[x101xtreme]

In general, as long as the laser is well below 500mw, it is safe to look at the diffuse reflection. However, the goggles are there in case you accidentally hit a reflective surface. If you're using it without goggles, don't point it at glass, metal, or shiny plastic objects.

In addition, if you're burning stuff close-up, I would definitely use goggles. Otherwise, as long as your eyes are more than 1ft away from the dot, I wouldn't worry too much about diffuse reflections (like what you'd see off a white wall).

 

[rebel4evr114]

oh,ok, good to know man, i appreciate the response.

 

[Ash]

I don't know that he's 100% correct on this.
I (personally) find that looking at a >400mW green "dot" on a wall from a laser is extremely uncomfortable (like looking at the sun), and I refuse to do it without the proper eye protection.
But, I also know that spending $20-$50 on safety glasses now will save me from spending $1,000's on eye-doctor visits later.
I tend not to do things that may permanently damage my vision without being 100% certain that I am protected.

 

[rangedunits]

Your eyes will get tired of the dot.

 

[vaniteux]

Don't forget about dangers posed by infrared.

 

[Wratchet]

Assuming you have a quality IR filter in your laser the general feeling is that it is ok to look at a 150mW laser dot? I am not surprised that no one comes right out and says it is perfectly safe because maybe it isn't?

Not trying to thread-jack, hopefully this helps contribute. :yh:

 

[IsaacT]

I feel like Diffuse reflections are not given the proper consideration....I have a feeling that they can be just as bad for you, but maybe I am just being paranoid....IMO if it leaves after images, it is probably bad for you....

 

[Wratchet]

I have been planning a purchase of a 100 mW Aries laser for quite a while, but have been holding back partially because I too am concerned about the laser dot danger.

I do understand the necessity of goggles and will NOT purchase a laser without proper certified protection, but I do want to be able to enjoy the laser indoors without goggles from time to time. I will NOT be doing any burning, rather I will setup the laser on a tripod and shine it at the wall at least 15 feet away. If I did do this its not like I would stare endlessly at the dot, but I would probably look at it, especially at first since I have never even seen a green dot and I would be very curious! Is this something like what you had in mind rebel4evr114?

I am not convinced that this even safe though and I will not risk my eyes at all. Maybe lasers aren't for me, or maybe I need a 5 mW.