EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human-Machine Interface; Physiological - Other
Other Laser injury
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Declared Emergency; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Environment - Non Weather Related
Departed runway 18L on [an] RNAV Departure; [during which] ATC issued a direct [to a fix; on course] clearance. While flying direct and climbing through 8;000 ft; the CA observed and immediately reported to the FO and then Departure that he had experienced a green laser event. ATC asked the CA of his physical condition in which the CA initially replied that he had suffered no damage. While in the continued climb the CA began complaining of worsen eye pain. After a few more moments the CA mentioned that his pain was getting worse and that the decision to declare and emergency and return to our departure should be made. The CA passed the flight controls to the FO and notification of the emergency and the request to return was made to the center. We descended the aircraft to a safe altitude and lowered the landing gear and flaps to burn enough fuel to ensure a landing weight that would not exceed aircraft limitations. The FO made a smooth uneventful landing during VMC conditions. The aircraft was taxied to the gate where EMS personnel met the CA at the gate. EMS and the CA came to the conclusion that it would be appropriate for the CA to be transported to the hospital. The [flight] was delayed until a new CA was assigned a couple hours later where the flight was completed. Threats [during the event] included an unscheduled aircraft return with high workloads and decision making.
Initially; the Captain of an EMB-145 felt no impairment after being struck in the eyes by a ground based green laser. However; he soon suffered increasing amounts of pain. Therefore; he directed the First Officer to take the controls; declare an emergency and return to their departure airport. EMTs met the aircraft and took the Captain to a hospital.