So you think you don't need goggles... just look at this.

[trencheel303]

So I was shining my 405 on a wall (as you do) and I noticed the dot seemed a little dimmer than I remember it being. I briefly wondered if the laser was actually a 404nm frequency doubled DPSS and hadn't "warmed up" yet, but then quickly realised that was unlikely. I took my glasses off and the dot became brighter. Sure enough, glasses back on and it dimmed. It was then I remembered my glasses had the anti glare component and probably had UV protection to some degree, hence the dimmer dot.

I then walked over to the wall and out of pure curiosity I put the glasses very briefly in front of the dot. It dimmed, as I expected, but I also got a bit of a fright and thought I'd ruined my glasses:

As well as having an anti-glare component, they also have the coating which reacts to UV and hence darkens them with the sun. The laser had temporarily cooked the glasses but thankfully they have since cleared up.

This then got me thinking had a human eye been subject to the same brief exposure, the damage to the retina could have been severe. This was an unfocussed, comparatively (in the grand scheme of things) weak laser beam.

Your eyes don't generally get second chances - wear goggles.

 

[Tmack]

Are they transition lenses? So they a just tinted a bit where they were hit, not " cooked" right? Or did they stay that way for much longer than usual? Just curios

 

[trencheel303]

If that means what I think it does, yes.

They go dark in the sun because UV exposure blackens them. This took a good 15 minutes to clear; I initially thought the glasses were toast.

 

[Tmack]

Oh ok, so they just reacted to the uv in that tiny line. I see.

Good point though. Just imagine how your eyes react, much less a lens.

I never thought about 405 and that type of lens reacting. Makes sense. Cool find. And it's nice to know the polarization of the glasses helps a tiny bit .

 

[trencheel303]

Yep. My UV torch has the same effect, but you have to hold it on much longer, whereas the laser was instant. :beer:

 

[crazyspaz]

Good example of why safety is key. I don't think most people understand how quickly lasers can destroy your eyes- even if pointed at a wall in front of you. I made the mistake of pointing my 445 at a white wall a few feet away when I first got it. Thankfully i reflexively turned my head instantly, but I was seeing spots for a while! Never use my 445 without goggles now.

 

[cantthinkofone]

thats crazy! i wonder if my glasses do the same... jk reflections scare me too much. Tmack, why u no respond to PM