(1)
Reduced vision in one or both eyes.
(2)
Seeing a bright flash of light just before the reduced vision.
(3)
Pain. (Some injuries cause eye discomfort, but most injuries produce
no pain.)
(4)
A feeling of heat within the eyes.
(5)
Burns to the cornea and/or hemorrhaging within the eyeball.
(6) Skin burns ranging from redness to surface charring to deep tissue
damage around the eye.
NOTE:
For additional information on laser injury, read Field Manual 8-50,
Prevention and Medical Management of Laser Injuries.
b. Welding Arc. A person who looks directly at a welding arc can receive
burns on the surface of his eyes that can result in severe pain and sensitivity to light.
The pain and sensitivity to light may last two or three days until the burn has healed.
Mild symptoms may appear even if the person did not look directly at the welding arc.
Signs and symptoms include the following.
(1)
Gritty feeling in the eyes.
(2)
Severe pain.
(3)
Immediate decrease in vision.
(4)
Inability to tolerate light.
(5)
Redness.
(6)
Swelling around the eye.
(7)
Watering or tearing.
c. Microwave Radiation. Microwaves are used by radar and communication
systems. The primary danger is damage to the eyes, especially damage that results in
cataracts. Microwaves can also interfere with production of red blood cells and can
result in temporary sterility in males. Signs and symptoms of exposure to microwave
(1)
Nausea.
(2)
Difficulty in swallowing.
MD0554
6-20