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Laser Exposure to Aircrew

This article discusses the potential dangers of laser exposure to aircrew members and provides guidelines for preventing and handling such incidents. It covers various types of lasers, their effects on vision, and steps to be taken in case of exposure. The text language is English.

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Laser Exposure to Aircrew

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  1. Laser Exposure to Aircrew CAPT Matt Rings Aerospace Ophthalmology

  2. Disclosure Statement • CAPT Rings has investments in the following companies who manufacture military laser systems: • General Dynamics • Northrup Grumman Corp • Coherent Inc. • II-VI inc.

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

  4. Laser Dazzle

  5. Tahrir Square - Egypt

  6. Laser Physical Effects • Glare “Dazzle” • Flash-blindness • Irritation • Photophobia • Headache & eye pain • Sub-clinical tissue damage • Visible retina and ocular damage • Retinal hemorrhage

  7. Laser Aviation Effects • Surprise / Startle effect • Distraction • Inability to discern instruments and landing lights • Mission compromise or failure • Loss of aviator temporarily or permanently to flight

  8. Approach, Nov/Dec 2012

  9. Ground Incidences • “Friendly fire” from ground targeting lasers: • “Since November 2008, [we have] had 64 laser incidents reported in Iraq, resulting in 45 documented injuries to soldiers. Two of those injuries were permanent — one soldier is now legally blind in one eye, Hayes said.” • “Usually, the damage is temporary,” he said, “but they have to be evaluated by a retina specialist in the States.” • (Stars & Stripes, June 14, 2009)

  10. 2012 DoD Aviation Incidences • 2012 • 79 Aviation Laser Incidents reported via Hotline • 20 HAZREPS • Abnormal Eye Exams (~10% rate)

  11. USN Aviation Note: Multiple persons per incident is frequent

  12. Commercial / Civil Aircraft • 2004: 46 incidences • 2008: 988 incidences • 11% reported distraction, glare, afterimage, ops interference, • 2% pain/injury • 69% on final approach • 92% green lasers, 5% red lasers • 7PM to 11PM (70%) The Illumination of Aircraft at Altitude by Laser Beams: A 5-Year Study Period (2004-2008 - FAA

  13. 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 • Discuss in-flight laser exposure procedures • Carry small Amsler grid (if significant threat) • LEP must be worn if “significant laser threat” exists (per OPNAV 3710.7U)

  14. 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

  15. Crew After-Landing Procedures • Notify Chain of Command • Notify Flight Surgeon & Laser Safety System Officer ( per OPNAVINST 5100.27B) • Undergo eye exam by Flight Surgeon as soon as practicable • Complete HAZREP • Complete FAA laser exposure web reporthttp://www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/report/laserinfo/ • Call DoD Laser Hotline (24/7) Toll-free: 800-473-3549

  16. Laser Injury Guidebook • United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine Laser Injury Guidebook:http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a559312.pdf Appendix C: Laser Incident Questionnaire Appendix D: Amsler grid

  17. 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)

  18. 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.

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

  20. Ophthalmology Consultation • Does laser eye exam reveal significant visual or ocular findings? If yes, consult ASAP to ophthalmology or aerospace optometrist • Navy/USMC: OPNAV 5100.27: **ALL exposures get consult exam** • Make recommendation on Fitness for Aviation Duty or further medical management

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

  22. DoD Laser Injury Hotline & Info • HOTLINE Toll-free: 800-473-3549 • Comm: 937-938-3764 • USAFSAM Ophthalmology: 937-938-2675 • NAMI Ophthalmology: 850-452-2933 • Pubs (unclassified):http://tinyurl.com/Naval-Laser-Safety-Info

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