LASER SPECS
There are three important laser device specs to note when
looking for laser eye protection. The power level of the device
(measured in milliwatts), the color of the laser it emits (ex-
pressed as its wavelength in nanometers), and beam divergence
(measured in minute of angle or milliradians.) We'll cover pow-
er and color in more detail, but beam divergence is a complex
sounding term that indicates how tightly focused the laser beam
is. Wider beams are less of a threat.
POTENTIAL INJURY
Laser danger comes in a few forms, the most feared is
irreversible injury caused by a highly focused light burning the
retina. The more common, but just as serious threat posed by
lasers is the loss of situational awareness.
A laser in the eye has the same effect as any bright light source,
it'll first elicit a startle response causing you to blink. If you con-
tinue looking into the laser, you'll be dealing with glare that ob-
scures your vision and if you look into it long enough you'll get
temporary bright spots, called afterimages. While these effects
aren't as severe as permanent blindness, situational awareness
is the last thing you want to lose when flying bricks and home-
made pyrotechnics are in play.
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