405nm is just looking at the beam or dot dangerous?

[MahatmaGandhi]

I am new to lasers (and maybe a bit paranoid), so my question is, can just looking at the beam or the dot of a 405nm laser hurt the eyes? The power of the laser is 200mw, but it's from Dealextreme so it's probably less. Thanks for your answers

 

[Bluefan]

Welcome to the forum In the safety section there's plenty information on this. In short: with 200mW the beam or a diffuse reflection is safe to look at, although it may be uncomfortable. Looking at the dot up close (for burning or whatever) is probably not safe.
In any way a specular reflection or direct hit is definately unsafe and will damage your eyes, so I really recommend getting some laser safety glasses, just to be safe in case of an accident.

 

[MahatmaGandhi]

Thanks for the quick and helpful reply.

 

[BKarim]

200mW is dangerous.
If you don't want too use protection goggles, don't play with more than 50mW, especially with 405nm.

 

[MahatmaGandhi]

I think I know better than to shine a 200mw into my eye

 

[Ratchet]

I think I know better than to shine a 200mw into my eye

It's not hard to accidently shine the laser on something reflective like glass. Doing so could direct a high-power reflection of the beam directory towards yourself. Wear safety glasses, better safe than sorry, especially in the case of your eyesight.

 

[BKarim]

also a kid can play with your laser, look directly into the aperture and accidentaly (or not) push the button. even some adults can do that

200mW lasers are like guns.

 

[Denson]

i highely recommend you get glass's for any laser, all lasers can some how be dangerous, you only got one set of eye's that can be replaced, all safty should be taken serious.

 

[Zonk]

405nm brightness doesn't well represent the power of the laser. It's not safe to even look at a 50mW dot at a close distance for too long; especially if you're pupils are adjusted for low light conditions.