As a pediatrician and father of a young boy, I have a responsibility not only to look after children's health in my office, but also to protect my own son from everyday dangers. One growing concern is the use of lasers in toys.
I remember a time when lasers were the sensation among children. They came in cases with several lenses, each projecting a different shape, and some were similar to pens or erasers. Today, this trend seems to be making a comeback in some areas.
Unfortunately, I was informed of a distressing case by ABC, an Australian broadcaster. A young man innocently pointed one of these lasers directly at his eyes and suffered irreversible loss of 75% of his vision. Dr. Ben Armitage, his doctor, detailed how just a few seconds with the laser pointed at his eyes caused permanent damage.
Although many believe that lasers are harmless, they can be extremely damaging, especially to the eyes. In the past, the most common lasers had a power output of 5mW, which was considered safe. However, the latest models, particularly pen-shaped ones, can have an output of up to 150 mW. There are even more powerful lasers for professional use, such as military lasers, but there are few reports of accidents with them. The big problem is the easy access, via the internet, to lasers of up to 700 mW. Most people can't tell the difference between a safe laser and a dangerous one.
To clarify: lasers and light bulbs are measured in watts. However, while the light from a light bulb is dispersed, that from a laser is extremely focused. This means that the impact of a laser on the eye can be up to 10,000 times more intense. When it hits the eye, the light focuses on the fovea, the center of the retina, where it can cause rapid and devastating damage.
Our children and teenagers are often the victims. And it's our responsibility, as adults and caregivers, to educate them about the dangers of these lasers. We need to be aware and warn our young people about these "toys", which are easily accessible today.
I urge you: talk to your children and warn them about the risks.