What effect can infrared lasers have on the eyes?

Infrared lasers can cause thermal damage to the eyes due to the way they interact with the tissue. When infrared light enters the eye, it can be absorbed by various structures, particularly the lens and retina. This absorption leads to a rise in temperature, which can cause serious harm to the sensitive tissues in these areas.

One significant outcome of this thermal damage is the potential formation of cataracts, which is a clouding of the lens that can impair vision. The heat generated from exposure to infrared lasers can alter the protein structure in the lens, promoting this cataract formation. It is important to recognize that unlike visible light, infrared radiation is not always perceived by the eye, which may contribute to the risk of damage since individuals may not be aware of harmful exposure until significant damage has occurred.

In contrast, photochemical damage primarily involves interactions with light-sensitive molecules and is more typical of visible or ultraviolet radiation. The claim that there is no effect on the eyes or that infrared lasers only damage the skin does not capture the full spectrum of potential harm that can arise from exposure to these types of lasers.