Does Long-Term Operation of Laser Equipment Affect Vision?

Can long-term exposure to lasers cause vision to deteriorate? Doctors say that short-term exposure to low-intensity lasers is relatively safe, but prolonged exposure can cause eye fatigue and dry eyes.This article explains the effects of laser equipment on the eyes, gives advice on how to protect your eyes, and teaches you to read the key indicators in an eye exam report.

Does laser equipment harm the eyes?

Many friends who work in factories, laboratories or the beauty industry have long been in contact with laser equipment, and they are always worrying that they are going to "damage their eyes" by looking at lasers every day.In fact, it's not a question that can be answered in a blanket way. Just as too much sun can burn the skin, but proper sun protection can avoid the danger.Doctors say that if proper precautions are taken, the low-risk lasers in classes 1 and 2 pose little danger to vision over the short term.However, if you work continuously for more than six hours a day, then you need to watch out for the "warning lights" of dry eyes and blurred vision.

The secrets of the test report.

Don't ignore the warning signs.

Recently, the report of a laser engraver revealed that he had "reduced sensitivity to light in the macula." This scared him into thinking that he was going blind.The doctor explained that this was actually a result of long-term exposure to bright light, causing visual fatigue.The real keys are the figures for "retinal thickness" and "field of vision." If these are normal, then most of the time you can recover by adjusting your eye usage habits.

Is there any connection between dry eye syndrome and laser surgery?

It is common to see people who work with lasers complaining of dry, itchy eyes. Tests show that the amount of tears produced is less than 5 millimeters in five minutes (the normal value is 10-15 millimeters).The doctor gives an analogy: when you stare at the laser, you naturally blink less, just as when you hold your breath while trying to focus a camera.

Three ways to protect your "window of the soul.

Safety glasses are not just for show.

Don't complain that the safety goggles the company provides are ugly! Tests have shown that goggles marked "OD6 +" can filter out 99.9 % of scattered light.One trick: glasses that have rubber edges are more airtight than ordinary glasses, and are especially suitable for dusty workshops.

Take a break.

Doctors recommend that every 40 minutes spent operating the laser, the technician should go to a window and gaze at green plants 5 meters away.This is not just a pretense--alternating near and far vision can relax the ciliary muscle, and is more effective than eye drops.Many veteran operators stick notes to the control panel as a reminder to "blink now.

Regular checkups are a must.

If you discover that straight lines appear bent or if your night vision has declined, it is particularly important to see a doctor.One welder discovered early retinal damage through a check-up and was able to change jobs without affecting his eyesight.

The doctor warned.

If the report indicates "pathological changes," such as retinal perforation or vitreous opacities, the individual should immediately cease exposure to the laser source.Although this situation is rare, it's like having to shut off the electricity when the wiring gets old.Eating plenty of leafy green vegetables and limiting the use of smartphones are the real secrets to protecting your eyes.