Ocular Hazards Associated with Laser Exposure.
Abstract
In our experiments we have investigated the effects of low-level laser exposure on spatial vision measured in animal subjects. In monkeys trained to report minimal visual resolution as well as constrast thresholds for varying size targets (constrast sensitivity) we found that small spot (50 micron) exposure can significantly alter these measures of spatial vision. Such effects have both medical and tactical implications. Because such levels of exposure may produce prolonged change in spatial visual function even at levels below the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) level, the military medical community is faced with a dilemma that repeated exposure could result in considerable tissue destruction in non-regenerating neural retinal tissue long before any significant change in visual function is measurable. Long-term measurements of animal spatial vision has revealed subtle but significant evidence of visual function loss that is associated with low-level laser exposure to the fovea. Such effects may cause sufficient alterations to spatial vision to produce momentary distractions in complex military performance, such as target tracking. These potential hazards to human vision and visual performance have motivated development of human visual protective materials to counter low-level, multi-spectral laser exposure, as well as the development of new troop training strategies that should provide countermeasures through improved training scenarios. Keywords: Visual acuity; Sub/supra threshold; and Q-switch laser.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA168506
Entities
People
- Harry Zwick
- Joan Allen
Organizations
- Letterman Army Hospital