I don't believe that any of us are concerned about the possible damage to our eyesight from these lasers
Oh - you non-believer !
Well I am concerned about possible damage to my eyesight, even if only temporarily
CAA GASIL Issue 6, 2009 :
The CAA has recently published FODCOM 05/2009, which although targeted primarily at public transport operators is equally valid for GA pilots, and includes similar advice. It also recommends seeking a medical evaluation after any such illumination (by laser).
Conceded that this article goes on to say there is no evidence that the type of lasers implicated in the incidents 'recently' reported caused permanent damage to eyesight, but would they recommend a medical evaluation if there was no concern of possible eye damage ?
CAP789 :
Crews who have been subject to bright light or laser illumination can expect minor and transient visual impairment, e.g. a retinal after-image remaining visible for a short time, or short-lived flash-type blindness of the sort to be expected after a normal 'flash' photograph has been taken. It is recommended that, following an illumination incident believed to be from a laser, affected crew members should seek medical evaluation, preferably by a qualified vision specialist, before returning to flying duties (see ICAO Document 9815, Manual on Laser Emitters and Flight Safety, Chapter 4).
The incident should be reported to the CAA under the MORS. The MOR should give as much detail of the occurrence as possible and should include brief details of any immediate post-flight medical assistance needed or given to crew members.
So it looks like there ARE concerns about damage to eyesight - maybe only temporarily at present, but are you aware that these devices are becoming more and more powerful, cheaper and thus more available to the type of idiot that shines them at aircraft ?
Human instinctive reaction will usually help to protect against a sudden bright dazzling light, but it is almost inevitable that one day a pilot will get the first hit directly in their eyes by a device powerful enough to cause permanent damage.
Plenty of scary videos on the 'Net - there's one advertised as being 8000 times brighter than looking directly at the Sun
