Laser toys are popular among young children. Many use laser pointers for entertainment, or buy "super spy" gear and "super hero" gear that is equipped with these little red lasers. Unfortunately, these laser toys can be dangerous for children and those around them. The highest risk with laser toys is the eyes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that lasers can cause eye injuries and lead to eventual blindness in some circumstances.

A health promotion officer at the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health says that a beam shone directly into a person's eye can injure it in an instant. The dangerous thing about laser eye injuries is that they typically don't hurt. A child may not recognize the signs of the injury for years, but the laser can start a process that will deteriorate vision over time. Doctors say that many laser eye injuries are permanent, causing serious, long-term effects for children.

Laser toys can be found on a variety of different products. According to US News health, laser toys are often mounted on toy guns to help children with aiming. They can also be on spinning tops that project laser beams while they spin. Sometimes lasers are sold in a handheld form where they are used in play as light sabers or other electric weapons. Also, there are lasers that can be commonly used for entertainment to create optical effects in an open room.

The FDA says that they are primarily concerned with toys that have lasers on them, because children are often hurt by these products. Their eyes are still developing, and as a result they can suffer harsher damage. The FDA says that many toys include a laser, and parents and children think that these products are safe because they are sold to children. Also, since eye damage from a laser is not immediately noticeable, many parents aren't aware of the risk they are running until after they have already purchased the items.

Advertisers often promote these lasers as playthings. In recent years, the power of the lasers has increased while the price has fallen, meaning that more and more children are exposed to the dangerous lasers on a regular basis. The FDA says people should refrain from shining a laser directly at a person or animal. The light energy from the laser when aimed into the eye can be very dangerous. Sometimes it can be even more dangerous than staring directly into the sun. This means that the eye damage can be significant, even if it doesn't show up for years.

It is also important that people avoid aiming these lasers at reflective surfaces, as this can increase their danger and injuring ability. It is also important to keep in mind that the effect of the bright beam or light can cause serious accidents when aimed at a driver in a car. Also, if a person is playing sports or doing some sort of physical activity, the bright beam can cause distraction and injury. Avoid ever using these laser lights when people are in the midst of an activity that requires their attention.

The FDA says that consumers need to look for labeling on laser packages and ensure that they comply with a 21 CFR Subchapter J. Normally, lasers that are approved by the FDA will say so somewhere on the packaging. If the packaging does not carry this content, the FDA suggests that individuals don't purchase the product. If you have suffered eye damage from a laser, you may be able to seek compensation on the grounds of product liability. You also may have the right to sue any party that aimed the laser at you or caused your injury. Talk to a local personal injury attorney for more information about litigation in these situations!