Laser pointers: are they safe for use by children?

Recent advances in laser technology have produced small, low-powered lasers that are attractive as laser pointers. While the advantages of a laser pointer are exciting, we must approach its application with caution in order to avoid the possibility of eye injury. For example, the use of the laser pointer by physically challenged children to point and access from a distance is particularly attractive. However, in this case, it is even more compelling to use caution so as to exclude any possibility of permanent eye damage. With this objective in mind, we will analyze the laser pointer in some detail and, hopefully, encourage awareness of safety issues, especially in the case of children with disabilities.