Dennis Robertson, M.D., Mayo Clinic ophthalmologist, conducted
investigations with a green laser pointer directed to the retina
of a patient's eye; the eye was scheduled for removal because of
a malignancy. The green laser damaged the pigment layer of the
retina, although it did not cause a measurable decrease in the
visual function of the patient's eye. Dr. Robertson believes
that longer exposures could harm vision, however. He also warns
about potential damage from higher-powered green laser pointers.
"With the use of laser pointers that are more powerful than five
milliwatts, there would likely be damage to the actual vision,"
he says. "Functional damage could occur within seconds." Dr.
Robertson does not advocate against use of green laser pointers;
rather, he advocates against their misuse. "Green laser pointers
are not a public health hazard at this time, but something
people should be aware of," he says. "I'm raising concerns that
people should be cautious when using green laser pointers not to
point t