A corporate jet Captain reported being struck with a laser on approach to IND. He experienced discomfort in his right eye the day after the event.

Date: 2011-04 · Aircraft: Light Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng · Phase: approach

Anomalies: inflight-event-encounter-other-unknown

Synopsis

A corporate jet Captain reported being struck with a laser on approach to IND. He experienced discomfort in his right eye the day after the event.

Narrative

We were on a visual approach to [Runway] 23R at IND and had just switched to Tower when a flight ahead of us on the approach reported a laser beam had been shined at them on approximately a 2 mile final. Tower advised us of the incident and then cleared us to land. On approximately a 2 mile final; our cockpit was also illuminated by a green flash of light (probably the same laser). The flash hit the peripheral vision of my right eye. Luckily; I did not lose my night vision and was able to continue the approach. The other crew member reported the laser illumination to the Tower and we continued to a safe landing. Tower advised that the authorities had been notified. The day after the incident; I woke up with discomfort in my right eye (the eye that experienced the flash). I have consulted my optometrist and am now waiting to see if any additional symptoms develop. As of this writing; no suspect had been located. Something needs to be done about the proliferation of these high powered lasers before a serious accident occurs.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.