Air carrier flight crew reported the First Officer was hit with a laser strike during approach to EWR airport. The First Officer experienced strained vision; but was able to continue without further issue.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported the First Officer was hit with a laser strike during approach to EWR airport. The First Officer experienced strained vision; but was able to continue without further issue.
Narrative
During RADAR vectors with approach; the First Officer turned his head rapidly away from the right window in the flight deck and stated someone shined something in his eyes. He thought it was a laser. He also was wincing a bit and holding his head down and hand covering the window. I asked what the color was and he stated green. While rubbing his eyes he stated that it was right under the aircraft. When he tried to point at the window he held his hand up again and said that they were lasing again. I immediately reported to ATC the event and marked the position in the FMC. The position given from the exact time of the event was between 30 second and a minute of flight time. For the next several minutes the First Officer was distracted with ATC readbacks and complained of the sensation of eye strain; as if he 'pulled a muscle' in his eye. He also stated that things were somewhat blurry. By the landing phase of the flight the First Officer seemed to regain his situational awareness. He informed me that it was his first laser event. Landing and parking to termination happened without further event.
Second reporter narrative
On our approach to Newark airport; while I was scanning the airspace around us; a green light from the right-hand side of our current position; drew my attention; causing me to look to the right-hand side directly at the ground; for a brief moment the light hit my right eye; after that; I realized that the light came from a laser; I dodged the light by crouching in my seat. At that time I told my Captain what was happening; and he immediately reported the event to the ATC. The laser light did not impair from fulfilling my duties. We continued with the flight as planned without any complications.After we parked the airplane; I received a call from Operations to follow up on this laser event; the procedure required me to take a self-assessment to evaluate the status of my sight; the results of the self-assessment were as follows: Permanent eye damage is not known or is extremely unlikely to occur in this situation.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.