In both incidents, the children stared at a laser beam for several seconds and reported temporary vision loss, decreased vision and a burning sensation. The pointers emit a red beam that usually contains up to 5 milliwatts of power. Some can reach a target more than 4,500 fee away. The new green-beam pointers reach targets more than 2 miles away. Originally designed as business presentation tools, pointers have been misused nationwide to harass or irritate people in athletic arenas, movie theaters, classrooms and other places.
Some children reportedly shine the beam into moving vehicles, creating a traffic hazard.
The red dot projected onto an object by a laser pointer is indistinguishable from a laser gun sight, alarming police and alerting legislatures. Pointers usually are sold as key chains or pens. Some manufacturers market them to children and depict the pointers as fun and powerful toys. All content on this site is copyrighted by Presbyterian Healthcare Services.