State Institution ‘The Filatov Institute of Eye Diseases and Tissue Therapy of NAMS of Ukraine‘

CAN A LASER TOY CAUSE EYE DAMAGE?

Health
25.01.2024

Today, not all parents know that even laser toys, seemingly harmless, can be serious dangers, especially for eyes. Adults are confident that if it is a toy, it means safe by definition and often underestimate the potential risks.

But the problem is that in the last few years, the production of lasers has become much cheaper, and the power of the beam is much greater than ten-twenty years ago. Accordingly, toys with such dangerous additions have become cheaper. Therefore, children’s pistol with a laser sight can practically be considered a weapon, at least for the eyes it is destructive. Shining in the eyes with laser radiation from children’s pistol is more dangerous than looking directly at the sun.

Here are some potential dangers:

  1. Eye damage. Laser radiation can cause serious damage to the eyes, especially if it is directed straight into them. Children, playing with laser pointers or toys, can accidentally hit the laser in their or other children’s eyes.
  2. Excessive power. Some laser toys may have more power than is permissible for toys. This increases the risk of eye damage, especially in case of improper use.
  3. Reflection of laser radiation. The laser beam can reflect from different surfaces, which can lead to the laser radiation getting into the eyes of the child or the surrounding people.
  4. Poor quality: Cheap or uncertified laser toys may have low quality, which increases the risk of safety problems. To prevent such dangers, parents and guardians can take a number of measures:
  • Choosing safe toys. Buy laser toys only from reliable manufacturers and make sure they meet safety standards.
  • Teaching the rules of use. Explain to the children the rules of safe use of laser toys and warn them about the risks for the eyesight.
  • Monitoring the game. Watch how the children use the laser toys, and prohibit directing the laser radiation into the eyes.
  • Storing in inaccessible places. Store laser toys in places inaccessible to small children, to avoid accidental access.

GENERAL RULE - BE CAREFUL WHEN USING ANY LASER DEVICES AND TEACH CHILDREN THE RULES OF SAFE BEHAVIOR WITH THEM.

If the eyes were injured by laser radiation, the damage will not necessarily be irreversible. Most often, the vision gradually recovers over several weeks or months. It is important to consult an ophthalmologist in time, only he/she can assess your situation and provide the necessary recommendations.