New applications for lasers in military operations and law enforcement are emerging. These low-power lasers can easily damage the eye or disrupt vision. Laser damage to the retina is permanent and cannot be treated. Outdoor laser light shows are creating flight hazards for commercial, law enforcement and military aircrews. These light show lasers are invading navigable airspace around airports, business districts and military installations.
Lasers can temporarily blind pilots during critical phases of flight and jeopardize safety.
Department of Defense researchers still lead the way as they develop new technologies to provide adequate laser eye protection while meeting unique military requirements. These requirements, along with visual transmission properties, dictate the types of technologies that can be used for military laser eye protection. If the protection diminishes vision or impedes job performance in any way it won't be worn, regardless of the safety hazards being faced. The Optical Radiation Branch leads the Department of Defense and private industry in understanding how LEP technologies and their physical specifications relate to visual performance and user acceptance. One unique aspect of our program is that human performance data derived from the laboratory, simulator use, and ground and flight tests drives laser eye protection specifications.