Evaluation of Aircrew Low-Intensity Threat Laser Eye Protection

Abstract

Prototype low-intensity threat laser eye protection (LIT-LEP) spectacles were evaluated for US Coast Guard (USCG) cockpits and night vision goggle compatibility. The impetus for interest in aviation LIT-LEP is driven in part by the fact that easily accessible 0.5–2.0 W high-power laser pointers exceed safety standards for direct on-axis viewing. A repeated-measures experimental design was used to assess LIT-LEP performance relative to a no-LEP control for the following tasks: Near- and far contrast acuity, night vision goggle far-contrast acuity, emissive and non-emissive light source color-vision screening, and USCG multifunctional display color symbol discrimination reaction time and accuracy. Near- and far-contrast acuity results demonstrated good LIT-LEP performance for typical in- and out-of-cockpit lighting conditions. Night vision goggle performance suffered marginally at only one contrast level (85%; 20/30 acuity line). Color vision test results showed good color balance in that S-, M-, and L-cone performance did not demonstrate a clinical diagnostic color defect for emissive or non-emissive light sources when wearing LIT-LEP. Color symbol discrimination reaction-time-task results based on inverse efficiency scores revealed that some non-primary flight display colors exhibited a combination of slower speed and decreased accuracy. The findings will contribute to an acquisition decision as well as guide future LEP designs.

Clinical Photic Retinopathy: Mechanisms, Manifestations, and Misperceptions

“…These devices can cause dazzling and scotomatic (flash blindness) glare [296,297] at much greater distances than laser pointers. Dazzle itself is not an indicator of retinal injury [297], but it can cause injuries by startling, distracting, or temporarily disabling pilots, motor vehicle operators, or even people holding a cup of hot coffee [288,[296][297][298]. Laws have been passed in many countries making it illegal to shine laser beams at aircraft and automobiles.…”

“…Laws have been passed in many countries making it illegal to shine laser beams at aircraft and automobiles. Thousands of aircraft cockpit illumination incidents are reported each year prompting the development of eyewear to protect aircraft pilots [298] against laser-induced disability and dazzling glare [288,297].…”

Quantitative evaluation of the supercontinuum laser eye dazzling effect: in vivo experimental research

“…It has been used in basic science, industry, communication and medicine [10]- [12] Supercontinuum laser has two advantages: rst, the spectrum distribution is very wide, and the traditional laser protection equipment can only lter a single or a few wavelengths of laser and cannot achieve the effect of complete protection [13] . Further, we have developed optical imaging-based evaluation method to quantitatively analyze the supercontinuum laser-induced injuries and wound healings [14] . Second, the use of low peak-power continuous or quasi continuous laser, which was different from the Q-switched giant pulse laser, can effectively reduce the damage to the human eyes, not only increase the safety, but also appropriately increase the amount of laser radiation, to achieve a stronger dazzling effect.…”