Experts in India are warning that the increasing use of laser shows at nightclubs and other events is causing retinal damage, particularly for clubgoers aged 25 to 30. Doctors are seeing more incidents of this type of damage around the country, putting young people at greater risk. During the recent Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, five clubbers in the Indian city of Nashik suffered “permanent damage” to their retinas due to intense laser lighting. One young man had “severe vision loss” with bleeding and burns to the retina. Doctors have also reported a rise in laser show-related vision damage at clubs and concerts in recent times.
According to doctors, strong, high-wavelength laser beams can cause “intense heat” when concentrated on the eye, causing temporary or permanent damage. In the UK, guidelines prohibit the use of high-strength lasers at clubs and concerts. The Indian cases reportedly occurred when people were standing within 50 to 200 metres of a laser show. In the year before the latest incident, nearly 65 people reportedly suffered from vision loss following Ganpati festivities.
Prolonged or direct exposure to intense laser beams, especially at shorter wavelengths, can potentially cause thermal damage to the retina, leading to conditions like laser-induced retinal damage, says Dr Shashi Kapoor. She advises caution for people attending such events and encourages organizers to avoid the prolonged or direct use of highly-concentrated lasers. Doctors stress that this is not an isolated incident and that clubs and concert venues should ensure they are following safety regulations to prevent eye damage.
Gemma Ross, Assistant Editor at Mixmag, suggests that people follow safety advice when attending events featuring laser shows. Meanwhile, Dr Sachin Kasliwal of the Nashik Ophthalmologists’ Association advises young people to be cautious and seek prompt treatment if they experience any vision problems after attending club nights, concerts, or other events using laser shows
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