Investigations concerning the blink reflex using laser class 2

In experimental investigations with a total of 98 volunteers we have found that only 16.7 % showed a blink reflex, when they have been irradiated with a laser beam arising from a laser class 2 according to IEC 60825-1. In order to review this first experimental results we have performed different field trials on a total of 690 test persons at 670 nm, 635 nm and 532 nm, using semiconductor lasers and a diode-pumped, frequency-doubled neodymium YAG laser. Between 15.7 % and 22.4 % showed, depending on the wavelength, a blink reflex under laser class 2 conditions, where they have been irradiated in an apparatus comparable to a diagnostic ophthalmological device.