Which type of laser is most likely to cause serious eye injuries?

Class 4 lasers are the most likely to cause serious eye injuries due to their high output power and ability to produce damaging radiation. These lasers can emit visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light, and their power levels are significantly higher than those of lower-class lasers.

A Class 4 laser can cause burns to the retina and potentially lead to permanent blindness if appropriate precautions are not taken. Even brief exposure to the beam or scattered radiation can result in eye injuries, making it essential for users and those in the vicinity to wear appropriate protective eyewear and to employ stringent safety measures when working with these devices.

In contrast, lower-class lasers—like Class 1, which are safe under all conditions of normal use, Class 2, which are limited in power and can be momentarily viewed without injury, and Class 3B, which can cause injury from direct exposure but have lower output than Class 4—pose less risk in comparison. Therefore, understanding the characteristics and potential hazards associated with each laser class is crucial for ensuring safety in environments where lasers are used.