title: Design and acceptability of the Aviation Laser Exposure Self-Assessment (ALESA).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is an increase in reports of aircraft exposed to lasers directed from the ground. Approximately 2300 cases were reported to the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) in 2011. While the likelihood of injuries directly resulting from such exposure is currently low, this may increase with the increasing power of lasers. A project was undertaken to develop a rapid self-assessment tool that would assist pilots in determining whether permanent injury has occurred after eye exposure to a laser and whether professional assessment should be sought.
  
  
  METHODS
  Laser incidents reported to the UK CAA were analyzed. With the aid of expert advice, the Aviation Laser Exposure Self-Assessment (ALESA) tool was produced using key aspects of illumination needed to determine the risk of harm. There were 25 pilots and flight crewmembers who have experienced aviation laser exposure who were given the tool and their response was assessed with a questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a favorable response to five of the six measured aspects of the ALESA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ALESA is considered a useful tool for pilots following laser exposure during flight. The UK CAA is making the tool available through its website.
authors.affiliation: George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA. swaggel@gwmail.gwu.edu
authors.forename: Stephanie E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Waggel
authors.forename: Ewan J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Hutchison
mesh_terms: D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D001290:Attitude; D001359:Aviation; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012160:Retina / Q000293:injuries; D018570:Risk Assessment; D006113:United Kingdom; D014785:Vision, Ocular / Q000528:radiation effects