Lasers Flashcards
Define LASER.
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
List the classification categories of LASERS.
Class 1 < 0.5mW Class 2 < 1.0mW Class 3a 1-5mW Class 3b 5-500mW Class 4 > 500mW
What is a laser beam?
A narrow, collimated, coherent beam of light
List 5 laser effects.
- Sensor damage
- Ocular bioeffects
- Psychological impact (#1)
- Derm
- Operational impact
List 6 laser ocular effects.
- Canopy glare
- Flash blindness
- Retinal burns
- Corneal clouding
- Cataracts
- Retinal hemorrhage
Why is the eye more vulnerable to laser injury that the skin?
The corneal and the lens increase retinal radiance by a factor of 100,000
What does UV, IR and visible light affect?
UV, IR– cornea and lens
Visible– retina
Name 4 temporary and 3 permanent ocular effects of laser?
Temporary:
- Glare/dazzle
- Flash blindness
- After-image
- Distraction
Permanent:
- Burn
- Hemorrhage
- Hole
Name 2 military uses of laser.
- Non-escalation device
2. Rangefinder
Name – measures to prevent laser injury.
- Eye protection (Use sunglasses/visor if no other eye protection available)
- Heads down. Avoid looking at source. Do not ask others to look at the source.
- Use hand to shield eyes.
- Avoid rubbing eyes.
What is the characteristic of laser eye wear?
It is wavelength specific.
What reference should be used in evaluation of patients with laser exposure.
Laser Injury Guidebook
Lust the 8 key items for exam following laser injury.
- History
- External examination
- Near & far visual acuity (#1 prognosis)
- Amsler grid test
(indicates violation of retinal structures) - Pupils
- Stereopsis
- Color vision (optic nerve vs macula damage)
- Retinal examination (can dilate if needed)
After a patient is initially examined after the event, when are the next examined? Why?
24 hours, give time for flash blindness and psychosomatic sx to resolve
How are laser corneal injuries treated?
as corneal abrasion (abx drops, cycloplegia)
