[Laser pointer and laser safety standard]

In recent years, cheap laser pointers have been used as toys for children. The safety of laser pointers has become a public issue.

Many cases of visual disturbance without retinal symptoms were reported, and those might be of a psychogenic nature or due to afterimage effects. However, four cases of macular retinal pigment epithelial disturbances due to radiation of a laser pointer beam were reported. One patient was affected in both eyes because of alternate laser beam radiation to both eyes. The exposure time to the laser beam exceeded 10 seconds. All cases except one were young patients. For the safety, it is important that handheld laser pointers be kept away from children. Toy type laser pointers should be treated as Class 1 laser products according to the Consumer Affairs Council, Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.