Exposure of the eyes to laser energy generally leads to two categories of effects.

1. Visual interference effects
2. Ocular injury (persistent anatomic or visual function abnormalities)

Incident with Temporary Visual Interference Effects

These effects are the result of wavelengths in the visible spectrum (400-700 nm). The wavelength or color of the source is associated with the degree of immediate visual function disruption following an exposure. This is because the human eyes spectral response to color varies across the visible spectrum. We see the color green much better than blue or red. Our response to color even varies with lighting conditions. The vision we use under well-lit, daytime conditions is called photopic vision and under low-light levels, nighttime conditions is called scotopic vision. For example, green light is capable of producing visual function disruption with less relative power than red light at similar distances. Effects include temporary flashblindness, afterimages, and glare. They also include startle, distraction, and disruption, effects that may not directly degrade vision but may have an effect on human performance. These effects are more pronounced when a person is exposed at night or in a dark environment.