can looking at magnesium while its burning affect your eyes?

Question

someone told me not to watch magnesium burn but i did from like 4 feet away for about 3 seconds. it was just a thin strip of magnesium from my chem lab and ever since my eyes have seen sub par. nothin that unusual but things i used to see clearly i now need to squint for. its not that bad that i need glasses but its definitly noticable to me. any information on this subject as to how it can affect your eyes or what kind of light it sheds would be a big help

Answer 1

Agreed not the best approach, but no permanent harm from that duration and amount. I’ve done it for longer and with more magnesium – and I hardly ever walk into walls. That exposure is not even as bad as staring at the sun for that length of time. And just for the record, don’t stare at the sun either.

Now my advice is when they tell you not to let the laser light hit your eyes – BELIEVE ‘EM. The laser light is orders of magnitude more powerful than your burning magnesium strip. Exposure to laser light will permanently cook your cornea on the first shot and within milliseconds.

Answer 2

Because magnesium gives off an incredible amount of heat, it also gives off a bit of radiation. Basically the greater the heat the whiter the flame will eventually become. But as to it having an affect on your eyes, after having only watched a thin strip burn once, it's highly unlikely. I've been witness to many a burning and have never had any visual problems afterwards. Like always though, if you continue to have problems with your vision the best bit of advice would be to go see an optometrists. Best of luck.

Answer 3

You idiot
if someone tells you not to do something... don't do it.

you should be fine magnesium is commonly used in many school demonstrations and there are probably many people who also stared at the magnesium burning. It wasn't good for you, but get some rest to recover your eyes.