FDA warns that laser pointer misuse can cause eye, skin injuries

The FDA has issued a warning to consumers and physicians about the risk for eye and skin injuries from products that include lasers, according to a MedWatch safety alert.

Some laser products, including hand-held laser pointers, are being misused as toys, according to the alert.

The FDA limits the visible light power of hand-held laser pointer to 5 milliwats (mW); however, a laser with the legal limit aimed directly into the eye can cause temporary flash blindness, according to the release. While natural reflexes might protect from permanent injury, reflection of the laser beam from mirrors or metallic service could delay a protective reflex that would avoid injury.

Lasers that emit more than 5mW visible light power can cause irreversible eye injury, and higher-powered laser pointers can irritate or burn the skin. While high-powered laser pointers are illegal, they are available on the Internet and in stores, according to the alert.

“The FDA is aware of laser pointer injuries involving military personnel, researchers, hobbyists and children,” the release reported. “The FDA is aware of many child eye injuries caused when children play with laser pointers.”
The FDA has made consumer recommendations including not buying laser pointers for children or allowing them to use them; not buying a laser pointer that emits more than 5 mW power; not aiming a laser beam directly at a person, pet, vehicle or aircraft; not aiming a laser at a reflective surface, such as a mirror; and in the event of injury, consult an eye doctor.

The agency reports that laser pointers that are small and use button batteries are probably less than 5 mW, while a laser pointer that is pen-sized and runs on AA or AAA batteries is likely more powerful and may exceed 5 mW, according to the release.

If images or videos show a laser with a bright, well-defined beam of light burning, melting or popping balloons, the laser likely exceeds 5 mW, according to the FDA.

The FDA has requested that health care professionals and parents report adverse events related to the use of the lasers to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program by submitting a form online at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report or downloading form or calling 1-800-332-1088 to request a form.

Reference: www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/