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A doctor speaks of the effect of the infrared thermometers in the eyes

The use of infrared thermometers has become a routine practice as a preventive measure to filter out the suspicion of coronavirus.

However, in recent days, began to spread on the social networks, the risk it poses to the eyes to be exposed to this tool, noting that the device works on the basis of a laser beam. But, what can really damage the eye health?

The ophthalmologist Vanessa Lopez Beauchamp responded with a resounding “no”, and explains the function of the red light on the thermometer.

“Humans emit heat, in the form of energy. This type of thermometer detects. It is like a sensor that reads the infrared waves that are naturally emitted, and measures the temperature that we have,” he explained. “We are not going to hurt you, or to the retina or any part of the body”, she specified.

“That light is not laser. We are not going to damage the retina because it is pointing to the eyes. The red dot you see is a light that the thermometer provides that the person taking the temperature to see where you are measuring. We can be reassured in that regard.”

The doctor also spoke about the possible reason that gave rise to this rumor, attributed to an alleged “Association of Optometrists,” but that the College of Optometrists of Puerto Rico charge to deny, an action that also took the puerto Rican Society of Ophthalmology.

“What happens is that there is a type of laser that is used in construction to measure temperatures of cement, temperatures of a roof. It is a commercial laser, with an entirely different use to that which is used for body temperature,” said the ophthalmologist. “Maybe someone read that at some point, these thermometers could cause damage, but, again, is an entirely different use,” he reiterated, therefore, advised him to “use trusted sources to clarify doubts”.

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