Nominal ocular dazzle distance (NODD)

A simple model for laser eye dazzle is presented together with calculations for laser safety applications based on the newly defined Maximum Dazzle Exposure (MDE) and Nominal Ocular Dazzle Distance (NODD). A validated intraocular scatter model has been combined with a contrast threshold target detection model to quantify the impact of laser eye dazzle on human performance. This allows the calculation of the MDE, the threshold laser irradiance below which a target can be detected, and the NODD, the minimum distance for the visual detection of a target in the presence of laser dazzle. The model is suitable for non-expert use to give an estimate of anticipated laser eye dazzle effects in a range of civilian and military scenarios.