How long does it take a laser pen to do damage your eyes?
It depends on the power of the laser pen and the length of time it is pointed at the eye. Generally speaking, a laser pen with a power of less than 5 milliwatts (mW) is not considered to be dangerous, and it would take several seconds of direct exposure to cause any damage to the eye. However, laser pens with a power of 5 mW or more can cause permanent damage to the eye in as little as a fraction of a second.
Here are some tips for safe laser pen use:
- Never point a laser pen at anyone's eyes, even if you think it is "safe".
- Keep laser pens out of the reach of children.
- If you are using a laser pen for presentations, make sure that you are not pointing it at anyone's eyes, even if you think they are not looking.
- If you are ever accidentally exposed to a laser pen, immediately close your eyes and seek medical attention.
Here are some additional resources on laser pen safety:
- American Academy of Ophthalmology: Laser Pointer Safety
- The Laser Institute of America: Laser Safety Information