Handheld lasers or laser pointers have conventionally been considered safe for eyes. However, there has been an increase in laser pointer eye injuries over the last four years. This could be attributed to the ease with which laser pointers can be purchased online, and how little the FDA is able to control these purchases. The most common injuries are suffered by males under age 18. Laser eye injuries vary greatly depending on the strength of the laser, the type of light it emits, and exposure time. There are five laser classifications. Class I are considered safe from all hazards, they include CD players and laser printers. Class II are less than 1mW, these include laser pointers commonly used in classrooms and aiming devices. Damage is caused by looking directly into the light for more than 15 minutes. Class IIIa include 1-5mW devices. Some laser pointers do fall into this class. Direct viewing of the beam can be hazardous to the eyes, even for brief amounts of tim...
Are retinal tears common? Retinal tears occur most commonly over age 40, although can happen anytime. Often, a retinal tear is brought about by a posterior vitreal detachment, or PVD. PVD’s happen to everyone, and most people have no symptoms. But what exactly is a PVD? The vitreous, or jelly part of the eye, is what helps your eye hold its shape. It sits in front of the retina but behind the lens. It’s sort of the “gooey center” of the eyeball. It starts out the consistency of jello, but as we age, it liquefies. Eventually these changes cause the vitreous to detach from the back of the eye, the retina. Not a big deal, unless the attachment between the vitreous and the retina is tight. If they don’t break apart easily, then you will experience flashes of light, a shower of new floaters, and in 1 of 7 people, a retinal tear. The PVD itself isn’t a bad thing—it’s actually a good thing! Once the vitreous has detached from the retina you are much less likely to have a ...
Fall Eye Allergies Fall eye allergies will soon be upon us. discusses the best ways to keep your eyes comfortable during allergy season and symptoms of allergies in eyes. Tips to Treating Eye Allergies at Home Cold Compression Flush your eyes Eye drops Antihistamine eye drops Avoid allergens by staying indoors and keeping your windows closed to prevent the allergens from getting inside Call your eye doctor if you’re not finding relief
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