X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product GuideSign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023

Teenager permanently impairs eyesight after playing with laser pointers

3 min read

This Tasmanian teenager didn’t know that, when he was playing with his laser pointer, he had permanently damaged his eyes. And now optometrists warn that laser pointers are not toys.

"He came into see me and on the Friday night he'd got hold of a laser pen and unfortunately shined it in his eyes for a very brief period of time," said Hobart optometrist Ben Armitage.

He had received a call on from a GP asking him to investigate why the 14-year-old boy was having vision problems.

READ: Are your kids’ toys safe?

“The back of his eyes on both sides are showing laser burns, so he's actually managed to burn the retina at the back of the eye near an area called the macular,” Mr Armitage said.

“Unfortunately that's the area where your detailed central vision takes place and therefore it's had somewhat of an exaggerated effect on how much sight he's lost.”

The teenager said that he did not feel any pain when he looked into the laser pointer, but the impact on his vision was almost immediate.

READ: Avoid making these mistakes to your child's eyes

"His vision is down to about 25 per cent of what we call 20/20 vision and unfortunately at this stage it's unlikely that that vision is going to recover," he said.

With 75 per cent of his vision lost, the teenager will no longer be able to see where the laser burned his eyes.

Glasses won't repair the damage

Dr. Armitage compared the teen’s eyes with camera lenses and sensors. It does not matter how good the lens you put on the front of the camera. It won’t overcome the damage that has been made to the film or the back sensor.

"So you're also going to have an area of vision, and unfortunately his area of vision is central, that is going to be essentially missing.”

Partner Stories
Parents, here's what you should do when your child sees you and your spouse fighting
Parents, here's what you should do when your child sees you and your spouse fighting
3 Game Changing Baby Products that’s Now Available
3 Game Changing Baby Products that’s Now Available
13 Must-haves for Your Online Baby Checkout Checklist
13 Must-haves for Your Online Baby Checkout Checklist
Why Knowing Children’s Current Academic Ability Can Help them Advance in School
Why Knowing Children’s Current Academic Ability Can Help them Advance in School

"If parents purchase or allow their children to have access to these [laser] pens they ought to supervise them very, very carefully and, in fact, better off trying to warn them off them because we've just seen in this particular case where the future lifestyle of this young person has been seriously affected," said Chief executive of Optomery Tasmania Geoff Squibb.

If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

James Martinez

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • Child Safety
  • /
  • Teenager permanently impairs eyesight after playing with laser pointers
Share:
  • How can moms claim child support in the Philippines?

    How can moms claim child support in the Philippines?

  • Parent's Guide: 5 tips to boost your child's self-esteem

    Parent's Guide: 5 tips to boost your child's self-esteem

  • 5 tips for a responsible parenthood you should know

    5 tips for a responsible parenthood you should know

  • How can moms claim child support in the Philippines?

    How can moms claim child support in the Philippines?

  • Parent's Guide: 5 tips to boost your child's self-esteem

    Parent's Guide: 5 tips to boost your child's self-esteem

  • 5 tips for a responsible parenthood you should know

    5 tips for a responsible parenthood you should know

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at update sa pag-aalaga ng baby at kanilang kalusugan.