Eyes exposed to Laser light

[andre110]

hi, i am a nurse and am currently working in a iv laser therapy clinic, and on the course of my work there have been instances wherein i was exposed to laser light indirectly(looking from the side) but with diffuse reflections of red lasers with 5mw of energy less than a foot from the side for approximately 5 secs, infrared laser of 50mw seen from the side about 1 foot from the source for about 30 secs non-continuous about 5 secs at a time no visible laser, diffuse reflective surface(scalp), and lastly accidental direct visualization of a red topical laser with 2, 5mw diodes pulse interval of about 1 sec about 2 feet of distance from the source exposed less than a sec. after which i did not notice any floaters or difficulty reading without my glasses(visual acuity 150 both eyes), eyes not watery, but left eye felt kind of irritated.but not itchy. I am thinking about getting my eyes checked by an ophthalmologist, but i just want to consult somebody regarding the matter and if my eyes got damaged and if i need to go to an opthalmologist. i would greatly value your expert opinion and advice.thank you

[rad95]

Dear Dr Oyakawa,

Please I need your expert advice.

I had laser done to my retina to seal up a retinal tear about 2 years ago.

I had itching and tearing in my eye. I saw an ophthalmologist who said my eyes are dry and I had mild signs of allergy. I would like to know if dry eyes is a complication of laser treatment?

Thank you

[andre110]

had my eyes checked and all was fine.thank you doctor

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

You need to file an incident report just in case you had some damage ( doubt it).  See an ophthalmologist to be on the safe side.  We use much higher energy to treat the retina. A lot of infrared energy will be absorbed by the cornea and lens.  You can get irritation of the cornea from uv light.

Dr. O.