Aircrew and Handheld Laser Exposure

Laser devices are ubiquitous in everyday operations. These devices pose a hazard to the eye and numerous injuries have been documented. However, there lies a misunderstanding in the propensity to damage aircrews' eyes during an exposure. Patient encounters and article review is presented in hopes to raise awareness that aircrew laser exposure at altitude, outside of critical phases of flight, is a distraction and not a threat. Also, to propose a change to Air Force policy regarding such exposures and further educating flight surgeons.

An electronic medical record (EMR) search at a deployed clinic was performed from July 2016 through Jan 2017. The "reason for visit" column was perused for any reference to the eye and laser exposure. Subsequently, the patient encounters were scrutinized specifically for eye injury, optometry visit, color of laser, and suspension of flight duties. All members were military aircrew spanning loadmasters, boom operators, and pilots. No protective lenses or other forms of optics were employed at time of exposure.

There were 21 encounters reviewed; 1 patient was seen twice due to 2 separate instances. Of the encounters, 14 were green lasers, 6 did not comment, and 1 indicated white. Zero acute injuries were discovered.

Patients were needlessly sent for further examination and prohibited from performing their duties. Following military patient encounters and civilian literature regarding laser injury, the evidence highly supports the hypothesis that hand-held laser exposure in flight from a ground base does not engender eye injury. More emphasis should be placed on recognizing the laser threat as a distraction or disruption to critical phases of flight, and a policy change may be in order for the USAF laser exposure guide.Dietrich KC. Aircrew and handheld laser exposure. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(11):1040-1042.