Lasers

Question 1

Define LASER.

Answer 1

Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation

Question 2

List the classification categories of LASERS.

Answer 2

Class 1 < 0.5mW
Class 2 < 1.0mW
Class 3a 1-5mW
Class 3b 5-500mW
Class 4 > 500mW

Question 3

What is a laser beam?

Answer 3

A narrow, collimated, coherent beam of light

Question 4

List 5 laser effects.

Answer 4

1. Sensor damage
2. Ocular bioeffects
3. Psychological impact (#1)
4. Derm
5. Operational impact

Question 5

List 6 laser ocular effects.

Answer 5

1. Canopy glare
2. Flash blindness
3. Retinal burns
4. Corneal clouding
5. Cataracts
6. Retinal hemorrhage

Question 6

Why is the eye more vulnerable to laser injury that the skin?

Answer 6

The corneal and the lens increase retinal radiance by a factor of 100,000

Question 7

What does UV, IR and visible light affect?

Answer 7

UV, IR– cornea and lens

Visible– retina

Question 8

Name 4 temporary and 3 permanent ocular effects of laser?

Answer 8

Temporary:

1. Glare/dazzle
2. Flash blindness
3. After-image
4. Distraction

Permanent:

1. Burn
2. Hemorrhage
3. Hole

Question 9

Name 2 military uses of laser.

Answer 9

1. Non-escalation device

2. Rangefinder

Question 10

Name – measures to prevent laser injury.

Answer 10

1. Eye protection (Use sunglasses/visor if no other eye protection available)
2. Heads down. Avoid looking at source. Do not ask others to look at the source.
3. Use hand to shield eyes.
4. Avoid rubbing eyes.

Question 11

What is the characteristic of laser eye wear?

Answer 11

It is wavelength specific.

Question 12

What reference should be used in evaluation of patients with laser exposure.

Answer 12

Laser Injury Guidebook

Question 13

Lust the 8 key items for exam following laser injury.

Answer 13

1. History
2. External examination
3. Near & far visual acuity (#1 prognosis)
4. Amsler grid test
   (indicates violation of retinal structures)
5. Pupils
6. Stereopsis
7. Color vision (optic nerve vs macula damage)
8. Retinal examination (can dilate if needed)

Question 14

After a patient is initially examined after the event, when are the next examined? Why?

Answer 14

24 hours, give time for flash blindness and psychosomatic sx to resolve

Question 15

How are laser corneal injuries treated?

Answer 15

as corneal abrasion (abx drops, cycloplegia)

Question 16

How are laser retinal injury treated?

Answer 16

No treatment

Question 17

When should a patient with laser exposure be medevaced?

Answer 17

• 24-hr eval and continued issues– medevac

- evidence of damage– medevac

Question 18

After a patient is initially examined after the event, when are the next examined? Why?

Answer 18

24 hours, give time for flash blindness and psychosomatic sx to resolve

Question 19

How are laser corneal injuries treated?

Answer 19

as corneal abrasion (abx drops, cycloplegia)

Question 20

How are laser retinal injury treated?

Answer 20

No treatment

Question 21

When should a patient with laser exposure be medevaced?

Answer 21

• 24-hr eval and continued issues– medevac

- evidence of damage– medevac