Ophthalmology: Laser Exposure to Aviators & Aircrew ("Not Testable") Flashcards
Laser Categories
Class I - no cautions, no injury
Class II - laser pointers (< 1 mW, hazard distance 23 ft)
Class IIIa - laser pointers (1-5 mW, hazard distance 52 ft)
Class IIIb - medical/research (5-500 mW, hazard distance 520 ft)
Class IV - weapons (> 500 mW, hazard distance > 2320 ft)
Laser Physical Effects
Flash-blindness
Pain/irritation
Vision impairment/Glare
Headache
Long-term grounding (0.5%)
The eye is most sensitive to _____ wavelength
green wavelength
LEP
Laser Eye Protection
True/False
LEPs protect against all wavelengths
False
Other limitations include degrading vision (worse at night), distorted color preception, helmet interference
True/False
Flight crew must carry Amsler grid if there is a significant threat for laser exposure
True
FS physical exam following laser exposure
VA (with correction)
Amsler Grid
Pupil exam
Stereopsis
Color Vision
Slit Lamp
Dilated Retinal Exam*
*Evaluate for retinal changes, blood, burns, white lesions
All laser exposures, with exam c/w significant visual or ocular findings, get consult exam ______ or ______
Immediate or Urgent (per OPNAV 5100.27)
aka “TODAY”
True/False
99% of all laser exposure will NOT cause permanent injury
True
True/False
Must contact Laser Hotline and Web Report for all laser exposures
True
Note: if no persistent symptoms and normal testing/exam, may return to flight immediately (still need “routine” Ophtho consult)
Actual injuries or persistent symptoms following laser exposure =
Down chit
Ophtho consult “TODAY” (AEROVAC if needed)
Enroll in DVEIVR
DVEIVR
Defense and Veterans Eye Injury and Vision Registry
All personnel should return to medical ___ to ___ days following laser exposure
1-3 days
True/False
Lasers can “burn through” NVGs and damage eye
False
NVGs may just stop working, BUT you can get direct eye damage if laser is angled “around the NVGs”
