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Laser eye injuries in military occupations
Mark D Harris1, Andrew E Lincoln, Paul J Amoroso
1U.S. Army Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, USA.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|September 25, 2003
Summary
Laser eye injuries in the U.S. military, primarily from Neodynium:YAG lasers, caused retinal damage. Improving training and equipment design can reduce unintentional laser eye injuries, a growing concern.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Laser Safety
- Military Medicine
Background:
- Increasing use of lasers necessitates understanding their potential hazards.
- Laser eye injuries are a significant concern, particularly in military aviation.
- Limited data exists on laser-associated injuries.
Observation:
- Ten cases of laser eye injury in U.S. military personnel (1984-2000) were analyzed.
- Retinal damage was observed, with no corneal injuries.
- Accidental exposure to Neodynium:YAG (Nd:YAG) lasers at 1064 nm was the most common cause.
Findings:
- Incidents occurred during duty and off-duty, indoors and outdoors.
- Lack of eye protection, inadequate training, and poor equipment design were contributing factors.
- Injuries required extensive medical care, with some leading to medical discharge.
Implications:
- Enhanced operator training, safety compliance, and equipment design can mitigate unintentional laser eye injuries.
- Intentional laser eye injuries are an emerging threat requiring further research for protection and countermeasures.
- Reducing human and societal costs associated with laser eye injuries is paramount.