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A medical management report for the treatment of Combat Laser Eye Injuries was written to aid medical personnel in handling patients with suspected laser exposures. Background information on lasers, symptoms, diagnostic tests, clinical findings, treatment recommendations, and return to duty and evacuation criteria are discussed. In addition, the issue of eye protection is considered. The rapid growth of laser science and engineering has resulted in an increased use of lasers by the military. It is likely that in the future engagements lasers will be used directly against our forces, and their effects on the health and mission performance of our aircrews are of particular concern. Since the optics of the eye can increase the retinal irradiance by a factor of, times over that which in incident at the cornea, the retina is especially vulnerable., Revision of report dated Oct 1988.

Patient's symptoms from laser exposure will vary depending upon the power and wavelength of the laser, the structure of the eye affected, how close the exposure was to the visual axis, and the extent of the temporary or permanent effects on visual structures. Keywords: Laser hazards; Signs and symptoms; Combat injuries; Eye injuries; Flashblindness; Lasers; Laser injuries; Medical management of injuries., Original contains color plates: All DTIC and NTIS reproductions will be in black and white.