Pune: Festive laser beams synced to DJ sets may look dazzling, but ophthalmologists warn they can cause permanent eye damage and, in rare cases, even blindness.High-powered green, blue, or violet lasers—frequently used at public events—can burn the retina in seconds, especially when beams sweep across crowds or reflect off mirrors and phone screens. As the public outcry against noisy DJ setups grows stronger in the city, doctors said these displays are not just a nuisance to the ears, but a severe threat to vision.Despite bans and restrictions imposed by the district collector over the past few years, high-power laser beams are still used rampantly during mass celebrations, in direct violation of govt orders.Doctors cited a rising number of cases of laser-induced macular haemorrhage—where central vision drops sharply after a single exposure—during recent festive periods. Dr Nilesh Giri, consultant ophthalmologist at Surya Mother and Child Super Specialty Hospital, said, “A DJ laser should paint the air, never the audience. In recent years, we have seen at least 25 cases of vision impairment caused by exposure to DJ lasers, which is a serious cause for concern.”He added that a direct or reflected high-powered beam can injure the macula, affecting sharp central vision. The damage may be painless and noticed only later. “Organisers must secure projectors and prevent beams from scanning faces. Children, in particular, should remain well away from the equipment. Parents should ask their children to flag any new blurring of vision, central dark patches, or distorted lines. These symptoms require immediate ophthalmic assessment, as there is no established first-aid treatment that can reverse retinal injury,” Dr Giri warned.Ophthalmologists said even a brief, direct hit can leave a permanent blind spot. Dr. Aditya Kelkar, director, National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO), said, “During festive celebrations, laser lights are utilised as part of DJ shows. But these lights can damage the retina at the back of the eye. The eye’s cornea and lens focus incoming laser light onto a tiny spot on the retina, multiplying the light’s intensity. This can lead to retinal burns before a person even realizes it.”Dr Kelkar said in certain cases, exposure leads to blurred vision, headaches, or persistent afterimages that do not fade for several minutes. In severe cases, it leads to permanent loss of vision. “We encountered a patient last year with a haemorrhage in the front of the retina caused by laser lights. Their vision only improved spontaneously with medication and follow-ups. Another patient developed a sub-retinal scar that led to permanent loss of central vision. To prevent such injuries, we strongly recommend that people do not stare directly into these lights and that organisers stop using such lasers for celebrations.”Dr Khurshed M. Bharucha, consultant ophthalmologist at PBMA’s HV Desai Eye Hospital, added that the risk of haemorrhage is a major concern. “The lasers cause bleeding and burns in the retina. Anyone attending these displays should avoid looking directly into the light. If you experience any vision loss after watching a laser show, you should consult an ophthalmologist immediately to minimise the damage,” he said.
