FDA: Laser toys can cause serious eye injuries

Silver Spring, MD – When operated unsafely, laser toys can cause serious eye injuries to the user or others, the Food and Drug Administration warns in a new draft guidance document.

Issued Aug. 7, the draft guidance addresses toys such as handheld lasers used as “light sabers,” lasers mounted on toy guns for aiming and lasers used for entertainment in an open room.

FDA said eye injuries from a laser may go unnoticed for a time, but could cause damage and even blindness.

To help prevent injuries, FDA recommends the following:

• Never shine a laser directly at someone’s eyes.
• Do not aim a laser at a reflective surface.
• Make sure the laser toy has a label stating that it complies with the 21 CFR Subchapter J.