By Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
Laser pointers have become more popular as prices
have declined -- to $10 or less. They often come with a
variety of detachable heads that can change the ray
of light into different images.

Laser pointers
popular with kids,
despite danger

Some Hawaii schools have
banned the pointers on
their campuses

By Suzanne Tswei
Star-Bulletin

It isn't as hot as the Furby, nor the Taco Bell Chihuahua, but a laser pointer is still a big hit with youngsters in Hawaii this Christmas -- despite the warning that it may be dangerous.

"They are very popular. We've been selling a lot of them. They make good stocking stuffers," said Alex Lee, owner of Toys & Joys in Kaimuki.

The pointers, once an expensive device for impressive presentations in the boardroom, have become an affordable instrument of fun -- or irritation -- in the hands of children or young-at-heart adults.

While children think it's cool to flick the red beam of light across movie screens or at each other, the potential for eye damage has adults worried.

Apparently, no cases of eye injury have been reported in Hawaii, but on the mainland two cases have been recorded.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, an 11-year-old girl in Phoenix had temporary vision loss after staring at a laser beam for several seconds several times.

And in Wilmington, Del., a 13-year-old girl who stared at a beam for about 10 seconds reported a burning sensation and decreased vision for about a week.

Several jurisdictions on the East Coast have restricted the sale of laser pointers. Restrictions elsewhere in the country have made it illegal for children to possess a laser pointer, even if their parents gave it to them.

Councilwoman Rene Mansho, who will oversee the City Council Committee on Health and Safety, said she was not aware of any serious problems caused by laser pointers here. But she said she will look into imposing restrictions if the toys become hazards.

In September, the state Department of Education issued a memo warning of the dangers of the pointers. A number of schools have banned the device on campus and said they have not had any problems.

"We have that on the list of contrabands, because it's kind of disruptive to the class. Let's face it, kids are kids, they are innovative. If you don't put any restrictions on it, they will find all kinds of creative ways to use it," said Patricia Dang, principal of Kalakaua Middle School.

Dr. Joyce Cassen, an ophthalmologist in Aina Haina, said the laser light, shinning directly into the eyes long enough, can cause retinal burns that may result in scars and leave permanent blind spots in the vision.

The pointers have become popular items in stores and swap meets as their prices drop to $10 or less and the designs become more fanciful.

A pointer advertised Sunday for $9 has sold out at all four Daiei stores. The pointer comes with a variety of detachable heads that change the red dot of light into a shaka sign, a happy face, a dinosaur or other images.

Similar pointers have been for sale at Longs Drugs, but a manager said Longs no longer carries the items because of the potential hazard.

Lee, of Toys & Joys, said he and his sales staff always warn customers about the potential danger during a purchase. "We tell them about the warning (posted on the box), not to shine it in the eyes."