Ocular laser exposure incident reporting.
BACKGROUND
Advances in laser technology are providing opportunities for new laser applications. Once the nearly exclusive province of scientists and the military, lasers are finding increasingly widespread applications in modern life. Along with this increase in applications, it is reasonable to expect a concomitant increase in the number of accidents and occasions of purposeful misuse, resulting in excessive ocular exposures to laser radiation.


METHODS
A survey was conducted of databases currently collecting laser exposure and injury information. Those found were then evaluated for content, organization, and ease of use.


RESULTS
A number of laser injury databases, privately and publicly funded, were found Overall, information on laser-associated injuries was quite fragmented, showing significant variability in format and content.


CONCLUSIONS
Public health policy development and clinical management of eye injuries would benefit from a single, comprehensive, and easily accessible database/information tool such as the U.S. Army's Laser Accident and Incident Registry.
Harrington
Lawrence K
LK
University of Missouri-St. Louis, College of Optometry, 8001 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, MO 63121, USA.
Wigle
Jeffrey C
JC
D019992:Databases as Topic; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008889:Military Personnel; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014489:United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration