1. Laser Exposure to Aircrew
CAPT Matt Rings
Aerospace Ophthalmology
Naval Aerospace Medical Institute
(Sep 2016 Update)

2. Laser Threats Low Energy Handheld Laser Pointers (Red/Green/Blue)
CAS lasers (vis/IR)
Airborne lasers – targeting
and countermeasures (vis/IR)
Anti-personnel lasers (Green)

3. Laser Weapon Systems Navy LaWS – 30kW IR, radar guided
USA: Kilowatt anti-aircraft/artillery laser, approximately $1 per “round”
Russian 1K17 Szhatie Anti-missile/aircraft laser
Chinese Anti-aircraft laser

4. Laser Categories Class I – no cautions, no injury (< 0.39 mW)
Example: grocery store scanner
Class II – laser pointers, caution label (< 1 mW)
Blink reflex usually sufficient
Eye injury unlikely unless prolonged exposure
Class IIIa – medical, research (1 – 5 mW)
Eye injury possible <0.25sec
Class IIIb – weapons, DANGER (5 – 500mW)
Eye injury likely, blink reflex too slow
Class IV – weapons, DANGER (500mW+)
Reflections dangerous
Skin Injury & burns to exposed areas
Fire hazard

5. YouTube Video

7. Laser Physical Effects
Flash-blindness
Irritation
Photophobia
Headache & eye pain
Sub-clinical tissue damage
Visible ocular burns
Retinal hemorrhage

8. Laser Operational Effects
Eye more sensitive to green wavelength
Surprise / Startle Effect
Distraction
Inability to discern instruments
and landing lights
Mission compromise or failure
Loss of aviator temporarily or permanently to flight

9. Laser Dazzle
YouTube Video

10. Tahrir Square - Egypt

11. Approach, Nov/Dec 2012

13. Commercial / Civil Aircraft
2004: 46 incidences
2014: 3894
2015: 7249
2% pain
22% below 2000’
92% green lasers 2% Blue/Purple 1% red lasers
70% Night-time
11% : distraction, glare, afterimage, ops interference
The Illumination of Aircraft at Altitude by Laser Beams: A 5-Year Study Period ( FAA

14. 2015 DoD Aviation Incidences
USAF 58
US Army 4
US Navy 8
USMC 10

15. Laser Eye Protection (LEP)
LEP blocking methods:
Reflective, Absorptive, Optical Bandpass Filtering
New Tech: multiple wavelength protection

16. Laser Eye Protection (LEP)
LEP Limitations
May degrade vision, especially night-time
Distorted color perception
No single LEP protects ALL wavelengths
NVG interference (physical and optical)
Helmet interference, sensor readability, CBR/MOPP crew gear

17. Laser Eye Protection (LEP)
LEP available in Spectacles or Visors
LEP matched to laser threat in theater per OPNAV
ANSI Z standard for eye protection for industry

18. Pre-Flight Crew Procedures
OPNAV 3710 : annual LEP / laser training
Review reports of any laser activity in the area reported to ATC (concerts, pireps, intel)
Consider Laser Eye Protection (LEP) based on theater threat intelligence, Ops guidance
Discuss in-flight laser exposure procedures
Carry small Amsler grid (if significant threat)
LEP must be worn if “significant laser threat” exists (per OPNAV U)

19. In-Air Exposure Procedures
Look Away & shield eyes (don LEP if available)
DO NOT rub the eyes – increases irritation
Turn up instrument lights
Mark the position, time, and report to ATC
Unexposed co-pilot gets on instruments
Query other crew members for exposure
Self-examination using small print or Amsler grid (if available)
‘Self-triage’ vision
able to read small print,
check individual eyes,
check pocket Amsler grid, nav charts, HUD or MFD for any visual defects
Determine mission viability, if significant vision symptoms prevent safe continuance

20. Crew After-Landing Procedures
Notify Chain of Command
Notify Flight Surgeon & Laser Safety System Officer
Flight Surgeon eye exam as soon as practicable
Complete HAZREP
Complete FAA laser exposure web report
Call DoD Laser Hotline (24/7) Toll-free:
Call BUMED Laser Report Line:

22. Tri-Service Laser Incident Reporting website:
NAVY/USMC: BUMED report required:

23. Flight Surgeon Procedures
Complete the ‘Laser Incident Questionnaire’ (Appendix C of Laser Injury Guidebook)
Obtain complete history of events
List ocular symptoms
Document LEP or eyewear worn (e.g. NVGs)
Coordinate with Squadron Laser Safety Officer on reporting to avoid duplication

25. Flight Surgeon Physical Exam
Visual Acuity (with correction)
Amsler Grid test
Pupil exam
Stereopsis testing
Color Vision
Slit Lamp – corneal abrasions/burns, lens opacity, conjunctival injection.

26. Flight Surgeon Exam and Actions
Dilated Retinal Exam
Evaluate for retinal changes, blood, burns, white lesions

27. Ophthalmology Consultation
Does laser eye exam reveal significant visual or ocular findings? If yes, consult ASAP to ophthalmology or optometrist
Navy/USMC: OPNAV (Laser Hazards Control Program):
**ALL exposures get consult exam
“immediate” or “urgent”**
Make recommendation on Fitness for Aviation Duty or further medical management

28. Laser Exposure Aerospace Pearls
99%+ of all exposures will not cause permanent injury– may return to flight immediately if no persistent symptoms, normal vision testing and normal exam.
Laser Hotline and Web Report on ALL exposures
Document medical follow-up in 1-3 days.
Actual injuries or persistent symptoms:
“Down” chit pending consultation
Ophthalmology/Optometry consult “TODAY” (aerovac as needed)

29. Laser Injury Guidebook
United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine Laser Injury Guidebook:
Appendix C: Laser Incident Questionnaire
Appendix D: Amsler grid

30. DoD Laser Injury Hotline & Info
HOTLINE Toll-free:
USAFSAM Ophthalmology:
NAMI Ophthalmology:
Laser Safety Documents (unclassified):
BUMED report:

32. Questions?