TY - JOUR
T1 - Safety Guidelines concerning the Use of Protective Eyewear and Gauze during Laser Procedures
AU - Wamsley, Christine E.
AU - Hoopman, John
AU - Kenkel, Jeffrey M.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 The Aesthetic Society. Reprints and permission: journals.permissions@oup.com.
PY - 2021/10/1
Y1 - 2021/10/1
N2 - The advancement of laser technology has seen its use gain popularity across a wide range of specialties to treat diseases, as well as address aesthetic concerns. In order to protect both the patient and the healthcare personnel providing treatment, instruction and knowledge of laser safety remain of utmost importance. In this paper, we discuss the classification of laser systems, review ocular injuries that may be caused by inappropriate laser exposure, and provide background on laser protective eyewear. In addition, we highlight the current recommendations for proper eyewear during laser use outlined in the American National Standards Institute standard Z136.3, Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care. Finally, although it is common in some healthcare facilities to place gauze under external eye shields or use gauze alone over eyes during laser procedures, this practice poses an extreme risk to both patients and healthcare personnel. Therefore, we discuss why the use of gauze under eyewear for any laser procedures is not recommended, and instead, offer suggestions to consider when acquiring safe and comfortable patient eyewear.
AB - The advancement of laser technology has seen its use gain popularity across a wide range of specialties to treat diseases, as well as address aesthetic concerns. In order to protect both the patient and the healthcare personnel providing treatment, instruction and knowledge of laser safety remain of utmost importance. In this paper, we discuss the classification of laser systems, review ocular injuries that may be caused by inappropriate laser exposure, and provide background on laser protective eyewear. In addition, we highlight the current recommendations for proper eyewear during laser use outlined in the American National Standards Institute standard Z136.3, Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care. Finally, although it is common in some healthcare facilities to place gauze under external eye shields or use gauze alone over eyes during laser procedures, this practice poses an extreme risk to both patients and healthcare personnel. Therefore, we discuss why the use of gauze under eyewear for any laser procedures is not recommended, and instead, offer suggestions to consider when acquiring safe and comfortable patient eyewear.
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U2 - 10.1093/asj/sjaa233
DO - 10.1093/asj/sjaa233
M3 - Article
C2 - 32756948
AN - SCOPUS:85116334081
SN - 1090-820X
VL - 41
SP - 1179
EP - 1185
JO - Aesthetic surgery journal
JF - Aesthetic surgery journal
IS - 10
ER -