Laser Toy Eye Injury in Children

Inexpensive and extremely powerful lasers that are incorporated in toys are now available for purchase on the Internet. Laser pointers used for presentations or as toys typically have outputs of 5 milliwatts (mW) or less, usually in the red wavelength. These lasers are generally harmless to the human eye in short exposures. Ophthalmic lasers for treating diabetic retinopathy typically have a power output of 50 to 100 mW and come in a variety of wavelengths, depending on the clinical application. If misused, the lasers are capable of causing severe eye damage. Such lasers are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not available for public use. However, foreign companies sell lasers over the Internet that have outputs of up to 200 mW or more in dangerous green wavelengths.

These lasers can cause eye injuries plus confusion for eye doctors. Children who suffer eye damage from lasers may be misdiagnosed with genetic eye disorders and undergo expensive and unnecessary testing. It’s never advisable for children to play with lasers, but it’s especially worrisome that these devices are becoming more dangerous. The increased accessibility and stronger power of these devices most likely explains the sizable number of cases of eye damage in children being reported over the past two years.

If you or someone you know needs information or help with a laser toy eye injury in children please call The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 908-789-8999, visit The Eye Care & Surgery Center, Google+ or facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter to schedule an appointment.

The Eye Care & Surgery Center is located at 592 Springfield Avenue, Westfield, New Jersey 07090, 10 Mountain Boulevard, Warren, New Jersey 07059 and 517 Route One South, Suite 1100, Iselin, New Jersey 08830, and is conveniently located for patients from throughout central and northern New Jersey.

LASIK Story from Sandy

It felt like my friends were one by one, getting rid of their contact lenses. When I had enough and got up the courage to find out if I was a candidate, I asked them each where they had it done. These friends did not know each other, or some of them didn’t, they ALL said Dr. Confino. WOW. I knew that was the doctor I wanted. I went for my examination, was there for several hours. They checked everything about my eyes, as explained to me, so there would be no surprises. I explained that when I wake up at night I can’t even see my clock and trying to make my way around the house if my glassed fall off the nightstand is downright dangerous. When I was down with my consultation, I was told the best news, I could have LASIK done by Dr. Confino. I booked my treatment on the spot. I was so scared but Jerette and the staff calmed my nerves and assured me. The night of my surgery I was given a Xanax to calm my nerves. Jerette stayed with me and prepared me for treatment then I went in. It seemed like a few minutes and I was done, no pain, no discomfort. I left wearing some goggles I needed to keep on until the morning then drove myself back to Dr. Confino’s office the next morning to be checked. I was 20/20. To go from what I was to that seemed nothing short of a miracle. Now I am the one sending all my other friends and family to Dr. Confino!” Sandy C

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about Bladeless LASIK or Schedule a Free LASIK Consultation please call The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 908-789-8999, visit The Eye Care & Surgery Center, Google+ or facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter to schedule an appointment.

The Eye Care & Surgery Center is located at 592 Springfield Avenue, Westfield, New Jersey 07090, 10 Mountain Boulevard, Warren, New Jersey 07059 and 517 Route One South, Suite 1100, Iselin, New Jersey 08830, and is conveniently located for patients from throughout central and northern New Jersey.