Eye experts raise concern over harmful effects of laser lights used during festivals

“Anyone who focuses on a laser of 5 MW for even ten seconds can suffer from retinal hemorrhage,” said Dr Dudhabhate adding that it can have a blinding effect. He cited the example of a 23-year-old man, who suffered retinal damage due to exposure to high-frequency laser and has lost 70 per cent vision in his eye, which could not be restored even after surgery. Dr Dudhabhate said that the man’s blood vessel burst, due to blood clots in the retina.

According to the doctor, Dattawadi participated in a Ganesh immersion procession and is among the two patients, who suffered the harmful effects of laser lights.

The 23-year-old, who works with a private firm, was dancing with his friends in a procession taken out out by a Ganesh mandal which used laser lights and high-decibel speakers. He felt the rays going directly in his left eye and was unable to see clearly thereafter.

“Many have suffered symptoms like dry eye and swelling due to exposure to the laser beams,” said Dr Dudhbhate.

Dr Parikshit Gogate, former president of the Maharashtra Ophthalmologists Society, said the bright-coloured lasers are bad for the eyes, ears and brain. “Flashing a lot of this bright light into the eyes is not good for macular and retinal cells,” he said.

Symptoms include headache shortly post-exposure and watering of the eyes, said Dr Aditya Kelkar, director of the National Institute of Ophthalmology. “Regulation is important when such high-powered lasers are used during festivities,” he said.