Article 1
It is prohibited to employ laser weapons
specifically designed, as their sole combat function or as one of their
combat functions, to cause permanent blindness to unenhanced vision,
that is to the naked eye or to the eye with corrective eyesight
devices. The High Contracting Parties shall not transfer such weapons
to any State or non-State entity.
Article 2
In the employment of laser systems, the High
Contracting Parties shall take all feasible precautions to avoid the
incidence of permanent blindness to unenhanced vision. Such precautions
shall include training of their armed forces and other practical
measures.
Article 3
Blinding as an incidental or collateral effect of
the legitimate military employment of laser systems, including laser
systems used against optical equipment, is not covered by the
prohibition of this Protocol.
Article 4
For the purpose of this protocol "permanent
blindness" means irreversible and uncorrectable loss of vision which is
seriously disabling with no prospect of recovery. Serious disability is
equivalent to visual acuity of less than 20/200 Snellen measured using
both eyes.