Should I Wear Eye Protection When Using IPL Devices?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a way to perform various skin treatments, including hair removal, photo rejuvenation, and more. When undergoing such treatments, it is crucial to protect your eyes.

There are risks associated with IPL, such as eye redness, swelling, and discomfort, among others. Eye protection is key to reducing such problems and ensuring your safety.

In this article, we will go over the type of laser safety eyewear that you should wear during such procedures and the difference between them and eye shields. Read until the end, as we will go over the five essential accessories for these types of treatments.

What Type of Laser Safety Glasses Should You Wear During Treatments?

Having the right type of laser safety eyewear is essential when undergoing laser hair removal or other IPL treatments.

These are special accessories that help filter out the specific wavelengths emitted by intense pulsed light devices. It shields your eyes from damaging rays and reduces the risks of any major complications.

The types of lasers emitted during the procedure may vary depending on the equipment used. Depending on the light, the wavelength may also vary, which is why it is important to have glasses that block them to protect your eyes.

When selecting laser safety eyewear, there are certain factors you should consider, including the following:

Laser Safety Glasses With Visible Light Transmission Rating

There are different types of lasers used in IPL eyeware protection, including Alexandrite, Diode, and YAG. All of these produce different wavelengths, which is why you need to consider the visible light transmission (VLT) rating.

The VLT rating is an indicator of how much light can pass through the goggles or eyeglasses. Alexandrite, for example, emits light in the range of 730-855nm. You must get protective eyewear that offers appropriate protection according to the laser.

If the VLT rating is too low, the laser can pass through and cause damage to the eyes, but if it’s too high, it can make it difficult for the technician to carry out the procedure as they may be unable to see.

Laser Safety Glasses That Meet Safety Standards

When selecting laser safety glasses, it is crucial to look for ones that comply with the relevant safety standards. This ensures that the glasses meet specific criteria for providing adequate protection.

A good starting point is looking for laser safety glasses with certifications such as American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or European Norms (EN) to ensure the glasses meet the required safety standards.

Laser Safety Glasses That Are Comfortable

Another key factor you should consider when choosing laser safety glasses is comfort. The glasses should fit securely and comfortably on your face to prevent discomfort during the procedure.

It is crucial to look for laser safety glasses with adjustable features, such as nose pads and temple arms, to customize the fit according to your preferences.

Material of the Lens in Laser Safety Glasses

There are different materials that you can choose from, but polycarbonate lenses are the most popular choice for laser safety glasses. They are durable and offer impact resistance.

These types of lenses provide excellent optical clarity while effectively blocking the specific wavelengths emitted by the IPL device.

Laser safety glasses are also lightweight, making them more comfortable to wear for extended periods.

What Is the Difference Between IPL Safety Glasses and Eye Shields?

There are key differences between IPL safety glasses and eye shields, some of which include the following:

Eye Shields Also Offer Physical Protection

IPL safety glasses are specifically designed to provide targeted protection against intense pulsed light.

On the other hand, eye shields act as a shield that protects your eyes from accidental contact with objects or the IPL device.

IPL Safety Glasses Have a Superior Targeted Light Filtration

Although eye shields provide additional physical protection and are comfortable to wear, they do not offer the same level of targeted light filtration as IPL safety glasses.

Five Important Products for a Safer IPL Treatment

There are five essential products that you need to incorporate to ensure a safe and effective IPL treatment. These include the following:

Safety Goggles or Laser Protection Glasses

Safety goggles are essential when it comes to protecting your eyes during IPL treatments. It provides comprehensive eye coverage, protecting your eyes from the intense pulsed light emitted during the procedure.

Antiseptic Wipes

Although antiseptic wipes are not directly related to eye protection, it is crucial for maintaining hygiene during IPL treatments.

Cleanliness plays a vital role in preventing eye infections or other complications. By properly cleaning the treatment area with antiseptic wipes, you can minimize the risk of any contaminants coming into contact with your eyes. This further provides protection to your eyes.

Good Quality Shaver

Preparing the treatment area is essential for effective IPL sessions. A good shaver can help remove hair from the targeted area before the procedure. This ensures better light absorption and reduces the need for higher-intensity settings.

Extra Replacement Cartridges

During treatments, the cartridges used can gradually wear out. Having extra replacement cartridges on hand is essential to ensure that your IPL device functions optimally.

Regularly replacing worn-out cartridges reduces the likelihood of unexpected malfunctions that may pose a risk to your eyes. It is crucial to maintain the IPL device to ensure safe treatments.

Topical Anesthetic

Using topical anesthetic can significantly enhance your comfort during IPL treatments. Numbing the skin helps reduce sensations, which can minimize involuntary reactions.

Should I Wear Laser Eye Protection When Using IPL Devices?

When using IPL devices for treatment, wearing eye protection is important. This equipment emits light and targets various areas of the skin. Although the device aims at the different body parts, there is a possibility of the light straying and hitting the eyes.

Direct exposure to intense pulsed light can cause injuries or lead to other complications. Compared to other parts of the body, the eyes are delicate organs that need special glasses for protection.

IPL glasses create a barrier between the eyes and the light emitted from the devices. However, it is important to note that protective eyewear is crucial not only for professionals but for patients and others at home as well.

Final Thoughts

Wearing appropriate eye protection during IPL treatments is essential to ensure your well-being. However, there are other products besides safety goggles that increase the level of safety.

Whether you’re a patient or a technician, if you’re looking for laser-protective eyewear for IPL treatments, we hope this article provides you with insights into the factors you should consider before you shop for one.