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Are optical mice dangerous?

prism

prism

Senior member
I've had a Microsoft Blue Optical Mouse for about 3 years, and I was just thinking the other day that whenever I change the batteries in it the optical light always shines at me, and I was wondering if this has any risk of damaging my eyesight if it's a laser or whatnot. Yes, I know I'm paranoid, but better safe than sorry I say 🙂
 
The laser can damage your eye if you actually look at it, but the odds are kind of slim that it will actually go into the tiny hole of your pupil directly. Don't they turn off when you flip them? My mouse has an infrared laser, so I can't tell.
 
Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
The laser can damage your eye if you actually look at it, but the odds are kind of slim that it will actually go into the tiny hole of your pupil directly. Don't they turn off when you flip them? My mouse has an infrared laser, so I can't tell.
Click to expand...

Mine shines its normal brightness for couple seconds after I flip it and then it dims considerably, but if I move it too much it'll go bright again. If it caused damage, would this be something I'd notice instantly?
 
Most opticals just have an LED, not an actual laser so I'd say its probably safe.

logitech's new mice to use real lasers, so I don't know about the dangers of those. I have one, i've never seen any red laser like from a laser pointer.
 
Originally posted by: Prism
Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
The laser can damage your eye if you actually look at it, but the odds are kind of slim that it will actually go into the tiny hole of your pupil directly. Don't they turn off when you flip them? My mouse has an infrared laser, so I can't tell.
Click to expand...

Mine shines its normal brightness for couple seconds after I flip it and then it dims considerably, but if I move it too much it'll go bright again. If it caused damage, would this be something I'd notice instantly?
Click to expand...

You'd notice. You'd probably have a dark spot in your eye permanently. If you do have eye damage, don't worry because in the future we'll have eye transplants. You should be worried about getting chemicals in your eyes. For example bleach can cloud your cornea.
 
You now have cancer of the anus.

EDIT: Seriously, the light sources in mice don't produce enough power to damage your eyes.
 
Originally posted by: Ronstang
Your eyesight is fine but unfortunately you are now sterile.
Click to expand...

Awesome, now I don't have to wear condoms when I go to your mom's house.
 
Originally posted by: Prism
Originally posted by: Ronstang
Your eyesight is fine but unfortunately you are now sterile.
Click to expand...

Awesome, now I don't have to wear condoms when I go to your mom's house.
Click to expand...


My mom is 67, go for it. I'm sure she will appreciate your 15 seconds of effort.
 
Originally posted by: Prism
Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
The laser can damage your eye if you actually look at it, but the odds are kind of slim that it will actually go into the tiny hole of your pupil directly. Don't they turn off when you flip them? My mouse has an infrared laser, so I can't tell.
Click to expand...

Mine shines its normal brightness for couple seconds after I flip it and then it dims considerably, but if I move it too much it'll go bright again. If it caused damage, would this be something I'd notice instantly?
Click to expand...

If you stare at a laser for a few minutes, then it'll cause permanent damage.

And yes, optical mice have simple red LEDs. You have more to fear from sunlight.
 
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