Hi, I Mistakenly Used A Very Bright Pen Light To

Posted on Sun, 27 Dec 2020

Question: Hi, I mistakenly used a very bright pen light to look inside my nose at a lighted magnified mirror. I have a cut inside my nose. I used this LED light for less than 10 minutes. A portion of the light (which is a 110 lumens strong pen light) shone toward my eyes. Now, I am worried that I’ve caused retinal damage. Is it bad to do this? I regret not thinking better. I don’t have pain but fit a minute or less I saw lighted spots and now my eyes are slightly fatigued, but it’s late as well.

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No retinal damage if you do not have figures moving or stable in the eyes

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using "Ask a doctor" service.

Eyes are made to see. And if there is something to see that can damage them, the pupil will close to allow less light inside.

If you have not constant figures in you vision, moving or stable, then no need to worry, as there is no retinal damage.

Hope this is helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Kind regards,
Dr. Klarida Papaqako,
General and Family physician.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj