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Laser pointer in the eye consequences. What happens if a laser beam hits the eye? Or a few words about safety when carrying out laser procedures in cosmetology. When marking laser pointers, it is necessary to indicate that they are dangerous to the eyes.

  • How does the eye work?
  • Welding

Laser devices and pointers: dangerous entertainment for children “Don’t look at the welding, you’ll go blind!” Each of us has heard this phrase from our parents at least once, and probably told it to our children. “You can’t shine a laser pointer into your eyes!”, “You can’t enter a room with a quartz lamp on!” - Same. MedAboutMe will try to figure out how justified these statements are.

How does the eye work?

The human eyes, and other mammals and birds too, are a wonderful biological device, an optical device that allows us to see.

The lens-shaped transparent cornea separates the contents of the eye from the outside world. Together with the opaque sclera, it makes up the first layer of the eye. The cornea performs functions comparable to a window in a house: through it light enters the organ of vision.

The second, choroid, includes the iris, its anterior part, as well as the ciliary body and choroid - the middle and posterior parts. The iris not only determines the color of the eyes, but also serves as a diaphragm: the pupil located in the center of the iris narrows or expands depending on the degree of illumination, regulating the beam of light entering the eye.

Inside the ciliary body there is also a small, but very important for visual acuity, accommodative muscle. The ability of the eye to see both distant and close objects depends on it, since it changes the shape of the crystalline lens - a natural lens.

The back of the choroid is called the choroid. It nourishes the third layer: the retina.

The retina includes several layers of special types of nerve cells, which, in fact, provide the eye with the ability to see. In these cells, light is converted into an electrical impulse that is transmitted by the optic nerve to the brain, which recognizes and interprets the signals it receives. There are two types of visual cells: rods and cones. Their main part is located in the central part of the retina, in the macula.

The ability of the eye to see depends on the work of all its components, all its departments. Violation of the functions of any of the departments leads to deterioration or loss of vision. This condition can be temporary or permanent, irreversible.

Eye injuries from laser, welding, quartz lamp

The dangers posed by a quartz lamp, welding and laser emitters are not the same. A quartz lamp is a source of ultraviolet radiation, under the influence of which a burn of eye tissue develops. The likelihood of recovery from this type of injury depends on the extent of the injury. Mild to moderate burns can be treated by restoring the eye's ability to see. Severe burns leave behind irreversible damage that significantly reduces visual acuity or even causes blindness.

Electric welding emits infrared and ultraviolet radiation, which can also cause damage to the eyes, from mild corneal burns to retinal damage.

Burns from ultraviolet and infrared radiation are not felt immediately, but after several hours, causing pain, swelling, profuse lacrimation, and photophobia.

Otherwise, the laser beam works. Possessing great penetrating power and high energy density in the cross section of the beam, the laser penetrates into the deep structures of the eye and destroys the sensitive nerve cells of the retina, irreversibly. There is no pain felt.

The degree of danger of a laser is determined by many of its characteristics. Some lasers do not pose a danger because, due to their relatively long wavelength and low power, they are not able to penetrate the outer membranes of the eye. Others even penetrate optically opaque materials that are impervious to infrared and ultraviolet radiation.

There is a classification of lasers according to the degree of danger, from the first, practically safe for the eyes and body, to the fourth, which includes devices of high power and radiation density that can cause damage not only to the sensitive structures of the eye, but also to human skin. Lasers of the fourth hazard class can even ignite flammable materials, while devices belonging to classes 1 and 2 are dangerous only in certain, unlikely conditions. Hazard class 2 includes, in particular, laser scanners of cash registers and recognition devices.

How to determine the danger level of a laser

As already mentioned, class 1 and 2 lasers are practically safe. The first class includes, for example, the family of laser mice. Their power is so low that they do not pose a danger. Laser barcode scanners belong to class 2. The beam from them can only be seen under certain conditions. The radiation source can cause damage to the organs of vision only if the beam continuously impacts the retina from a minimum distance for at least 30 seconds. Class 2a lasers are installed and secured in such a way that accidental exposure of the beam to the eyes is completely excluded. This is the radiation source in DVD-ROM, for example.

The third class is divided into two subclasses. 3a lasers are dangerous, but you can close your eyes with minimal harm. A class 3b radiation source is certainly dangerous; you can’t even close your eyes; it even burns your skin. Such sources are installed in CD-ROMs and laser printers. The danger is also increased by the fact that the beams of these lasers are invisible. You can lose your sight without noticing the source of danger.

Dangerous class 3b includes any laser whose beam is visible without fog or smoke from the side, as well as all powerful laser pointers and, in general, all sources more powerful than 5 mW. Such lasers, unfortunately, are often used in clubs and discos to create visual effects. At the same time, they are often directed directly at the crowd.

All cutting lasers belong to the very dangerous fourth class.

Fact! In the summer of 2008, about 30 people who participated in the Aquamarine festival lost their sight. They suffered serious and irreversible retinal injuries caused by lasers used during the show.

Lasers have been used in the entertainment industry for many years, and this equipment is quite affordable. Sometimes it is purchased by people who have no idea about safety regulations.

There have been cases of vision loss as a result of laser burns in other cities, although not as widespread.

Protecting the eyes of a child or teenager from burns with a quartz lamp

A home quartz lamp is one of the devices whose benefits are ambiguous when used in everyday life. Constant quartzization of residential premises creates too sterile conditions in which the immune system weakens as unnecessary. In addition, quartzization is accompanied by the synthesis of toxic ozone. After turning off the lamp, it is necessary to ventilate the room well.

  • Do not turn on the lamp in a room if there are people or animals in it. If a child is being irradiated for medical reasons, the procedure should be carried out wearing protective glasses with high UV protection.
  • The switch must be located so that the child cannot, under any circumstances, be able to turn on the lamp himself.

Accidental eye burns are unpleasant and painful, but disappear within a few days. Severe injuries can lead to damage to the deep structures of the organ of vision and blindness. Cataracts are likely to develop.

Welding

Electric welding creates radiation that is dangerous to the eyes. Professional welders are well aware of what an “eye burn” is. They call this condition "caught bunnies." This sometimes happens even to experienced welders, and even more often when safety precautions are violated by distracted or inexperienced workers. In medicine, there is even a special term for eye burns caused by electric welding: electrophotoophthalmia.

A mild to moderate burn is very unpleasant, but usually goes away within a few days. The conjunctiva may turn red and swell, lacrimation may increase, and the cornea may become cloudy.

Severe burns from electric welding cause the affected tissue to die. The cornea becomes cloudy, loses its transparency, and films form on the conjunctiva that cannot be separated and removed.

Harmful bacteria can enter the affected tissue. If treatment is not started on time, the likelihood of an unfavorable course of the disease will increase sharply, including complete and permanent loss of vision.

Professionals protect their eyes and face with masks, the glass of which has special properties and does not transmit UV and IR radiation.

Of course, the child does not have such a mask, but the bright spark and crackling sound of the welding machine will certainly attract the child’s attention. Parents should explain from early childhood why they should not look at welding with unprotected eyes. If this does happen, it is necessary to immediately take the child to emergency eye care. Timely treatment will most likely relieve not only the consequences of the injury, but also its painful and very unpleasant symptoms.

Important! If you receive a welding burn, you should not allow your child to rub his eyes, as this will only worsen his condition and increase pain and inflammation.

You should also not use eye drops unless prescribed by a doctor. Some of these drugs contain substances that can cause irritation to the mucous membranes. In case of a burn, they can worsen the condition of the injured eye.

Laser devices and pointers: dangerous entertainment for children

As a rule, ordinary laser pointers sold in kiosks and stores fall into the hands of children. They are most often made in China. You cannot trust what is written on the product body or its packaging. Practice shows that real characteristics can differ greatly from those stated, both up and down.

Even low-power laser radiation sources are dangerous for a child’s eyes. And some particularly inventive teenagers manage to install much more powerful radiation sources into the body of an ordinary low-power pointer, which they “extract” from an old printer, for example.

If a child has a laser pointer of any power, it is necessary to explain safety precautions to him and make sure that the child understands everything. And even after that, do not leave him alone with a pointer, without adult supervision.

  • Never use a powerful pointer on the street.
  • When playing home laser entertainment for children, you need to make sure that the beam does not fly out the window.
  • It is strictly forbidden to direct the beam at the windows of houses, balconies, the faces of passers-by, or animals. A laser beam directed at a flying aircraft can give rise to very serious criminal charges.
  • Remember that neither regular sunglasses nor even welding helmets will protect your eyes from the laser. But the beam can be reflected from them and end up somewhere unknown.
  • Make sure that there is a push-button switch on the pointer, which must be kept pressed constantly.
  • Relatively powerful laser beams can be dangerous even when reflected. The beam can be reflected from any glass or polished surface: from the floor, furniture walls, table surface, etc. Therefore, it is dangerous to play with a laser pointer with pets. In the heat of the game, you may not notice that the beam was reflected from the laminate on the floor or the mirror in the hallway, and the reflection got into the eyes of your pet or, even worse, the child himself holding a pointer.
  • If a child complains of blurred vision, it is necessary to visit an ophthalmologist as quickly as possible.

Remote control for a cat - this is the “nickname” this toy received among its owners. Indeed, a laser pointer for cats is one of the most favorite toys, second only to a fur mouse or a good old bow on a string. A cat chasing a tireless light is absolutely happy. And what somersaults the pet makes when trying to grab ghostly prey!

It is obvious why cats run after the laser - this is an excellent opportunity to satisfy the hunter's instincts: jumping, running, sudden attacks, overcoming obstacles. What cat would refuse such a tempting entertainment? And it’s not difficult to lose excess weight through such catch-ups: all muscle groups are involved, the respiratory and cardiovascular systems are strengthened, and the musculoskeletal system is supported.

In addition, a laser toy for cats is a unique way to overcome stress and relieve tension. Having run actively in the evening, your pet sleeps more soundly at night. With this fun you can even train your cat by learning simple tricks. And it’s convenient for the owner - you can relax in front of the TV while entertaining your pet. And an automatic laser does not require human presence at all: press the button before leaving for work - the cat is entertained for the time allotted by the timer.

However, like any toy, a laser for cats can be dangerous. First of all, you need to remember that the beam should not hit the retina of the eyes, even reflected from a mirror or glossy surface of furniture. And the more powerful the laser, the faster it destroys the retina. Therefore, a laser pointer must be purchased at a pet store - lasers more powerful than 30 mW cannot be used to play with cats.

There is an opinion that the green color of the beam is safer than the red one. However, only power affects the degree of danger. But if you choose between a red and green laser, it is better to choose green - most cats see the green beam more clearly, even in daylight.

But even a low-power laser pointer for cats can cause injury if handled carelessly. The most “harmless” consequences are shallow wounds and bruises received during the next somersault. Much worse than playing with the windows open is one careless movement of the hand, and the cat jumps out the window, rushing after an elusive light. By the way, children's toys are often equipped with lasers (for example, cars and machine guns), so there should be a mosquito net on the windows, otherwise a child passing by may inadvertently attract a hunter.

And the most unobvious disadvantage is chronic dissatisfaction and self-doubt. A laser toy for cats is hunting in its purest form, which means there must be prey. If every hunt ends in nothing, the cat begins to doubt its ability to get food, and this is inevitable stress. To avoid feelings of dissatisfaction, the cat should receive a “mouse” at the end of the game. You can point the laser at, turning it off when the hunter pokes her nose at the find. Or transfer the beam to another toy that the pet likes to carry in its teeth. If the cat appreciates attention, the laser is moved to the legs and turned off, while stroking and praising the pet that runs up.

Laser is a very dangerous thing. Tissues and organs that are usually exposed to laser irradiation are the eyes and skin. There are three main types of tissue damage caused by laser irradiation. These are thermal effects, photochemical effects, as well as acoustic transient effects (only the eyes are affected).

  • Thermal effects can occur at any wavelength and result from radiation or light effects on the cooling potential of tissue blood flow.
  • In air, photochemical effects occur between 200 and 400 nm and ultraviolet wavelengths, as well as between 400 and 470 nm violet wavelengths. Photochemical effects are associated with the duration and also the repetition rate of the radiation.
  • Acoustic transient effects associated with pulse duration can occur in short pulse durations (up to 1 ms) depending on the specific laser wavelength. The acoustic impact of transient effects is poorly understood, but it can cause retinal damage that is distinct from thermal retinal injury.

Potential eye harm

Potential sites of eye injury (see Figure 1) are directly related to the wavelength of the laser light. Effect of laser radiation on the eye:

  • Wavelengths shorter than 300 nm or greater than 1400 nm affect the cornea
  • Wavelengths between 300 and 400 nm affect the aqueous humor, iris, lens and vitreous body.
  • Wavelengths from 400 nm and 1400 nm are aimed at the retina.

NOTE: Laser damage to the retina can be very large due to the focal gain (optical gain) from the eyes, which is approximately 105. This means that radiation from 1 mW/cm2 through the eye will be effectively increased to 100 mW/cm2 when it reaches the retina .

In case of thermal burns of the eye, the cooling function of the retinal vessels is disrupted. As a result of the damaging effects of the thermal factor, hemorrhages may occur in the vitreous body due to damage to blood vessels.

Although the retina can recover from minor damage, major injuries to the macula can result in temporary or permanent loss of visual acuity or complete blindness. Photochemical injury to the cornea by ultraviolet irradiation can lead to photokeratoconjunctivitis (often called welders' disease or snow blindness). This painful condition can last for several days with very debilitating pain. Long-term ultraviolet exposure can lead to the formation of cataracts.

The duration of exposure also affects eye injury. For example, if the laser is of visible wavelengths (400 to 700 nm), the beam power of which is less than 1.0 MW, and the exposure time is less than 0.25 seconds (the time during which a person closes the eye), there will be no damage to the retina. Class 1, 2A and 2 lasers fall under this category and generally cannot harm the retina. Unfortunately, direct or reflected hits from a Class 3A, 3B, or 4 laser, and diffuse reflections from lasers above Class 4 can cause damage before a person can reflexively close their eyes.

For pulsed lasers, the duration of the pulse also affects the potential for eye harm. Pulses of less than 1 ms upon impact on the retina can cause acoustic transient effects, resulting in significant damage and bleeding in addition to the expected thermal damage. Many pulsed lasers now have pulse times of less than 1 picosecond.

The ANSI standard defines the maximum permissible power (MWP) of laser exposure to the eye without any consequences (under the influence of specific conditions). If the MDM is exceeded, the likelihood of eye damage increases sharply.

The first rule of laser safety: NEVER LOOK AT THE LASER BEAM WITH YOUR EYES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!

If you can prevent the laser beam and its reflections from entering the eye, you can avoid painful and possibly blinding injuries.
Potential harm to skin.

Skin injuries from lasers are primarily divided into two categories: thermal injuries (burns) from acute exposure to high-power laser beams and photochemical-induced damage from chronic exposure to scattered ultraviolet laser radiation.

  • Heat injury can result from direct contact with the beam or its specular reflection. These injuries, although painful, are usually not serious and are usually easily preventable with proper control of the laser beam.
  • Photochemical damage can occur over time from UV exposure to direct light, specular reflections, or even diffuse reflection.

The effects may be minor but can cause serious burns, and long-term exposure may contribute to the formation of skin cancer. Good safety glasses and clothing may be necessary to protect your skin and eyes.

Laser safety

When working with lasers, you must have glasses that protect against laser radiation. Are these special glasses really necessary? Many novice laser builders and buyers of laser pointers ask this question. Yes, safety glasses are needed even for a 15mW laser, since without them your eyes get very tired. Glasses cost about 1,600 rubles apiece, but I think you understand that your eyes are worth much more than you will pay for glasses. Do not use sunglasses to protect your eyes!

The same will happen to your eyes...
The degree of protection of glasses from laser radiation is measured in OD. What does OD stand for? OD stands for Optical Density. Optical density shows how many times the glasses attenuate light. One means "10 times". Accordingly, “optical density 3” means an attenuation of 1000 times, and 6 means an attenuation of a million. The correct optical density for a visible laser is such that after the glasses a direct hit from the laser leaves a power corresponding to class II (maximum somewhere around 1 mW). For the invisible, the more the better.
Domestic glasses of the ZN-22 S3-S22 brand protect against red and some infrared lasers. They are similar to welder's glasses, but have blue lenses. You can sometimes buy them in Medtekhnika stores; they cost about 700 rubles. The disadvantage is that they are rubbery, heavy and ugly. If you're lucky, you can buy other domestic laser glasses. But they are rarely on sale.
On our website in the links section you can find many addresses of stores selling laser accessories, including safety glasses.

Perfectly smooth skin. Only in advertising does a woman shave, remove and pluck her hair with a smile on her face, because she knows for sure that you can forget about unnecessary hair for months. In reality, not a single procedure gives a long-term effect. None other than laser hair removal. But is it worth throwing out all the razors and making an appointment with a cosmetologist? Is there any harm from laser hair removal or have marketers deliberately spread this myth? Let's figure it out.

Three questions about the need for laser hair removal

Remember how to get rid of unnecessary and overgrown grass. It is burned out, after which it does not grow for a long time. The principle of laser hair removal is very similar to this example. A beam of different frequencies of heat and light, like a magnet, is attracted to the hair follicle and splits it. Literally - it burns out.

In this regard, the question arises: is it safe for the body?

Question 1. Is it possible to live without hair?

Have you ever wondered why we need hair? It is unlikely to spoil the aesthetics and add problems.

Body hair plays the role of thermoregulation. Note that in cold weather they retain heat, and in hot weather they help remove moisture from the body and cool the skin. In summer, the hairs on your arms and legs can also act as a protective barrier against small insects.

What about hair on private parts and underarms? Their absence, on the contrary, prevents unpleasant odors and bacteria from accumulating. So, smooth skin is good for your health?

Scientists have proven that it is the glands located in these areas that, when heated, release an odor that can attract the opposite sex. This does not mean that now you can go without washing for weeks and seduce men with your natural body aroma. But clean skin, warmed by hairs, will be a good replacement for perfume with pheromones.




Given these properties, does it make sense to remove hair completely and permanently?

Question 2. The body's reaction to lack of hair

The second question is inextricably linked with the first. If hair is not a useless consequence of evolution, then how will the body react to its absence?

You've probably noticed that a side effect of taking hormonal medications is weight gain and hair growth. The absence of hair along with the follicles acts in the same direction. The body, trying to restore its normal state, begins to produce excess amounts of hormones.




Hair may start to grow in unexpected places

arrow_left Hair may start to grow in unexpected places

The result can be not only the time spent on laser hair removal, but also menstrual irregularities and the appearance of excess weight. People with hormonal imbalances need to seriously think about the possible consequences of the procedure.

Question 3. Is laser safe?

Modern medicine has come a long way. Lasers are used to restore vision, perform major surgeries, and even remove scars and unwanted tattoos. Maybe laser hair removal, on the contrary, is useful?




The use of a laser during surgery comes down to one thing - preventing blood loss. Laser hair removal does not pursue such goals. In addition, when talking about the miraculous properties of the laser, no one mentions that it is contraindicated in oncology. Any radiation can provoke further tumor growth.

Contraindications to the procedure

If you understand that lack of body hair is not a problem, but a solution, and stories about hormonal imbalance will not scare you, then make sure that there are no obstacles on the path to smooth skin.

Check with your doctor to see if you can undergo laser hair removal if you have:

    Infectious and colds. Laser hair removal can cause infection to spread throughout the body. Treatment for a cold will take several more days. It is especially necessary to be careful during an exacerbation of herpes. During this period, it is better to completely abandon any beauty procedures.

    Allergy. The reaction to laser hair removal is unpredictable. It is possible that the body’s response will be rashes, swelling and itching. Coupled with an existing allergy, it can lead to Quincke's edema.

    Phlebeurysm. Laser hair removal negatively affects thinning veins, injures blood vessels and provokes damage to capillaries. There is also an opinion that any hair pulling can lead to the development of varicose veins.

    Skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. Laser hair removal is completely contraindicated during an exacerbation of the disease.

    Diabetes. In diabetes mellitus, tissue regeneration is impaired, which means hair removal can seriously damage the skin.

    Pregnancy and lactation. The body's response to laser beam exposure during pregnancy has not been studied. This means that there is no clear opinion among doctors whether it is possible to get rid of unwanted vegetation in this way or not. It is better to abstain for several months and remember less effective but safe methods.

Completely contraindicated

Laser hair removal is completely contraindicated for the following diseases:

  • oncology
  • herpes
  • diabetes mellitus of some forms and types

Laser hair removal should also be avoided if you have individual intolerance.

The laser targets only dark hair, so if you have very light or gray hairs on your body, you should not do hair removal. There will be no harmful effect, just as there will be no beneficial effect.

Mythbusting

There is some good news. Some arguments about the dangers of laser hair removal are far-fetched.

Myth 1. No tanning before hair removal

There is a lot of debate about the benefits and harms of tanning, especially if it is obtained artificially. If you were just about to go sunbathing, then read whether it’s true or fiction.




Tanned skin cannot affect the hair removal procedure in any way. The myth comes from the times when laser hair removal was just beginning to emerge, using the principle of selective photothermolysis. And it really had a detrimental effect on tanned skin. Modern technologies allow you to ignore this.

Myth 2. Internal organs are damaged

Forget scary stories about damage to internal organs or their exposure to radiation during the procedure. The spectrum of the beam is so small that it will not go anywhere further than the hair follicle. This means it will not penetrate the skin.

Myth 3. Provoking cancer

Hair removal, even such a radical one, cannot cause cancer. This requires a whole set of conditions. But it is quite possible to develop a maturing malignant formation. But radio frequency devices, junk food, and even the habit of biting your lips have this feature.

Undoubtedly, before the procedure it is necessary to consult with a specialist and undergo an examination.

Myth 4. Provoking skin burns

The laser does not burn the skin itself, but the hair follicle, splitting the main coloring substance - melanin. The remaining areas of the skin have it in small quantities, and therefore the laser does not see them. Even if you feel heat during the procedure, it will not be enough to burn the skin.




Consequences of sugaring, which is considered less dangerous

arrow_left Consequences of sugaring, which is considered less dangerous

Myth 5. Ingrown hairs and scars form

When removing hair at home, such a nuisance is no exception, since the epidermis is injured. The laser acts on the hair itself without disturbing the structure of the skin, which means it eliminates the problem of ingrown hairs.

Conclusion

Before any cosmetic procedure, you should consult a doctor for advice. Determine skin sensitivity to laser, absence of allergic reactions, cancer and dermatological diseases. Taking these features into account will help you refuse the procedure for medical reasons or treat yourself to smooth skin without harm to your health.

Technologies are developing at an incredible pace. A few decades ago, a laser seemed like a fantasy, but today a laser pointer can literally be bought for pennies at a street kiosk.

But while lasers are increasingly becoming a part of everyday life, it is worth remembering that careless handling of them can lead to serious problems. This review covers the dangers posed by lasers.

1. I was embarrassed and burned

Doctors at Tokyo Medical University Hospital were performing surgery on the cervix of a 30-year-old patient when she suddenly passed gas. The laser beam ignited the gases, causing the surgical drapery to catch fire, and then the fire quickly spread to the woman's waist and legs. The committee investigated the incident and concluded that all equipment was functional and used properly, but that it was simply an accident.

2. Five people per day

At West Laser and Cataract Surgery Center (West Springfield, Massachusetts), five patients suffered severe eye injuries when injected with anesthesia prior to laser eye surgery. On his first day of work, Dr. Tsai Chiu managed to harm unfortunate patients. West Center management said he either lied about his qualifications or lacked adequate knowledge of the equipment. Chiu has since resigned and has been banned from practicing medicine in the United States.

3. Road accident

An Albany, Oregon woman was driving her husband to work when she was suddenly blinded by a laser light. Miranda Centers was temporarily blinded by the laser beam and crashed into a crash barrier. One of the drivers shined a laser pointer into the other's eyes. This ultimately led to several accidents on the highway.

4. Up to five milliwatts!

Following an increase in plane and helicopter accidents involving laser pointers, the UK has decided to crack down on the dangerous devices. In most countries, lasers up to five milliwatts are considered safe. However, despite all the British bans, some high-performance Class 3 lasers are freely sold on the Internet. More than 150 eye injuries have already been reported due to these devices.

5. US Air Force shoots down a UAV

In June 2017, the US Army successfully tested laser cannons mounted on Apache helicopters. According to manufacturer Raytheon, this was the first time that a fully integrated laser system on board an aircraft successfully acquired and fired targets across a wide range of flight conditions, altitudes and speeds. The weapon has a range of about 1.5 km, is silent and invisible to people. They are also extremely accurate. The Army plans to use similar lasers to defend against any future drone attacks.

6. Pursuit of a football player

In 2016, in Mexico City, during an international NFL match between the Houston Texans (USA) and the Oakland Raiders (New Zealand), Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler was pursued by some careless fan. Every time Osweiler received the ball, one of the spectators would shine a green laser pointer in his face so that the player could not see where to run.

7. Viability of vehicle power supply

Despite millions of dollars spent on developing self-driving cars, one security researcher has raised serious questions about their viability in the near future. The scientist was able to interfere with the laser sensors of a self-driving car by simply shining a cheap laser pointer on them. The car system considered this an “invisible obstacle” and slowed the car down until it came to a complete stop.

8. Traumatic liposuction

During the laser liposuction procedure, one of the patients received severe burns, and after this the clinic management tried to dissuade her from treatment. Dr. Muruga Raj instead told her that everything was fine, there was nothing to do about the burn, but just apply cream to the affected area. In the end, the case went to court.

9. Laser pointer and helicopter

Connor Brown, 30, only found out when he was charged. A police helicopter was searching for a man causing a disturbance in the park when Brown pointed a laser pointer at his cabin. Both crew members were blinded and the mission had to be aborted to take the police to the hospital. Brown eventually called his action “a terrible mistake for which there is no justification.”

10. Burnt fingers

The Australian wanted to remove some tattoos from his knuckles, but it all ended with severe burns. The doctor said he would need ten to twelve sessions of $170 laser surgery to remove the "Live Free" sign from his fingers, but an anonymous patient began asking questions after nearly 20 sessions failed to produce the desired results. The doctor tried to speed things up a little and set the laser machine to the highest power. As a result, my fingers were burned 3 mm.