Page 241 - Blog Posts v1

E18 - Are you safe? Laser safety glasses and their absence...
I have identified a worrying trend in UK laser clinics. As a certified LPA I check such places for the safe use of Class 3B and 4 lasers and IPLs. In virtually every case, where more than one laser is on-site, I have found that the correct laser safety glasses have not been supplied.
The standard is very clear on this issue – EN 207:2009 outlines the requirements for all laser safety glasses to ensure ocular protection and safety. This standard dictates that laser safety glasses should be able to withstand 100 pulses from a pulsed laser or a continuous beam for at least 10 seconds, without damage.
In addition, BS ISO 12609-2:2013 sets out the current requirements for IPL safety glasses. The safety standards for IPL glasses are quite different to those for laser glasses. The protection level is set by the ‘shade’, usually 3, 4 or 5 - the higher the number, the darker the shade.
The two main points to note in EN 207 are:
1. The wavelength range(s) and protection level(s) must be etched into the ‘glass’ – labels or prints are not adequate;
2. The ‘CE’ Mark must appear on both the glass and the frame;
If any of the above are not observed then the glasses are not ‘legal’ under this requirement. It is very important to note that one set of glasses designed to protect against one type of laser may not give any protection against another laser – they are usually NOT interchangeable. I have come across this a few times where clinics have long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser for hair removal and a Q-switched Nd:YAG for tattoos. The glasses for these lasers are completely different, even though they protect against the same wavelength.
My experience, over the last few years, is that many laser clinics simply do not have the proper safety glasses which comply with the above regulations. While that in itself is worrying, the real issue Is much more serious.
If laser/IPL users are not wearing the correct glasses then they risk injury to their eyes. It is known that wavelengths shorter than 400nm and longer than 1400nm will result in surface damage, while those wavelengths between these limits can potentially damage the retina – in some cases, permanently.
Many modern aesthetic lasers operate within the 400-1400 nm range, and many output very high peak powers (particularly the Q-switched and picosecond varieties), which will easily destroy the retina.
I am at a loss to understand why some companies supply the wrong safety glasses with their lasers. They surely must know the relevant EU requirements. The law is very clear on this
Mike’s Blog Posts 241