Are some barcode scanners at supermarkets dangerous for the eyes?

Are some barcode scanners at supermarkets dangerous for the eyes?
I was at my local supermarket tonight where they have large built-in barcode scanners fixed in an upright position underneath the touch screen that the cashiers work on. They have a separate unit for the cash register and another screen on top of it for the customer to see the products going through.

As I was waiting on the opposite end of another cashier where an employee was working, I noticed laser lights coming out of the barcode scanners screen which is fairly large, and it was shining in my eyes and I looked into it several times.

I’m not too familiar with the danger of lasers and was just concerned if the laser light from some of these large supermarket barcode scanners could be damaging to the eyes? I’m only asking because my eyes are feeling discomforted and that could be unrelated to this. Thank you

Best answer:

Class 1 LED light source of the Barcode scanner poses no safety or health hazards.

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1 Comment for Are some barcode scanners at supermarkets dangerous for the eyes?

  • 1. djzeratul  |  April 3rd, 2006 at 6:57 am

    It depends on the type of scanner. Most of the ones at supermarkets where they pass the barcode over top of the scanner are laser based. These scanners use a special angled mirror to lower the chance of it shining out of the designated area, but at certain angles you can still look in and see the laser. It would be similar to looking at a laser pointer. This could cause retinal damage if you were exposed to it for a prolonged period of time, but a few seconds shouldnt hurt. The discomfort you feel may be your eyes healing the spots that were damaged by the laser light.

    If, in the future, you begin to see “floaters”, or little ares of discoloration or white dots, you may have caused permanent damage and should see an eye doctor right away for treatment and diagnosis.

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