Are optical mice dangerous?

[prism]

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

 

[amol]

Only one way to find out

 

[Ronstang]

Your eyesight is fine but unfortunately you are now sterile.

 

[narutofan36]

the laser can blind you

 

[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.

 

[91TTZ]

They usually have LEDs, not lasers.

 

[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.

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?

 

[TipsyMcStagger]

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.

 

[yobarman]

I think a shot in the eye every month or two won't blind you.


Just ask my girlfriend.

 

[Spook]

I'm not sure... what was the question?

 

[Xiro]

Originally posted by: yobarman
I think a shot in the eye every month or two won't blind you.


Just ask my girlfriend.

rofl!!

 

[hypn0tik]

Originally posted by: Ronstang
Your eyesight is fine but fortunately you are now sterile.

Fixed.

 

[mercanucaribe]

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.

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?

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.

 

[Howard]

You now have cancer of the anus.

EDIT: Seriously, the light sources in mice don't produce enough power to damage your eyes.

 

[DainBramaged]

Originally posted by: Ronstang
Your eyesight is fine but unfortunately you are now sterile.

:thumbsup:

 

[prism]

Originally posted by: Ronstang
Your eyesight is fine but unfortunately you are now sterile.

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

 

[Evadman]

Originally posted by: yobarman
I think a shot in the eye every month or two won't blind you.


Just ask my girlfriend.

Win!

 

[HamburgerBoy]

I thought that the vast majority of optical mice just use LEDs.

 

[91TTZ]

Originally posted by: Prism
Are optical mice dangerous?

Only if they have rabies.

 

[zanieladie]

Glad to know that they probably won't cause any damage. I have an optical mouse that has been shined in my eyes.

 

[ballmode]

ROLFFLES!

 

[clickynext]

Yeah, the LEDs won't do anything, and since the ones in laser mice aren't even visible I doubt they can do anything.

 

[Ronstang]

Originally posted by: Prism

Originally posted by: Ronstang
Your eyesight is fine but unfortunately you are now sterile.

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

My mom is 67, go for it. I'm sure she will appreciate your 15 seconds of effort.

 

[Jeff7]

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.

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?

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.

 

[eelw]

Don't worry about the laser mice. They only use a class 1 laser which cannot harm your eyes.