Laser therapy has changed the medical profession. The ability to efficiently eliminate cancerous tissues or make more precise cuts has enabled doctors to save thousands of lives. While lasers are an excellent tool, they present a significant risk to the user. Your eyes are especially at risk. Laser safety glasses allow medical professionals to keep their eyes safe throughout every procedure. While laser safety glasses are important, there are key components to look for in your glasses.

1. Comfort: It seems frivolous to worry about comfort when choosing laser safety glasses, but it is still critical. If your glasses are uncomfortable, then you may readjust them. One moment of readjustment can cause significant damage to your eyes. Keeping your glasses on throughout the procedure is critical. Before you pick your glasses, be sure that they are comfortable.2. High-quality lenses: Your glasses will endure years of use, and they must remain effective throughout each use. To save money, you might consider buying a cheaper pair of glasses that feature a low-quality lens, but this is not ideal. A low-quality lens may get damaged or become less effective over time. Quality lenses come in both plastic and glass varieties. Be sure you can trust the lens manufacturer when purchasing your laser safety glasses.3. Field of view: All eyewear inhibits your peripheral vision to an extent. Usually, you will point your face towards the operation, but in more complicated procedures losing peripheral vision can change the outcome. A reduced field of view may disorient you throughout the procedure. When purchasing your laser safety glasses be sure to find a field of view that makes you comfortable. Those that wear glasses on a daily basis; might prefer the field of view from the glasses. People that do not regularly wear glasses will prefer a more expansive field of view. Gauge your need to have a large field of view when purchasing laser safety glasses.4. What wavelengths are protected?: Lasers come in a broad range of wavelengths, from 180 all the way to 11500. Each wavelength impacts materials differently. Unfortunately, laser safety glasses cannot cover every wavelength of light. What type of light will you be using? Check the lasers you use for your procedures. Usually, safety glasses offer protection from a range of wavelengths. Read the descriptions carefully when purchasing your glasses.5. Optical Density: Glasses are rated for a particular wavelength, but they also receive an optical density rating. Optical density is the factor by which the lens reduces beam power. Optical density is set-up on a logarithmic scale. A lens with an optical density of 2 will reduce beam power by 100. Usually, lenses with higher optical density are safer. Lenses with an optical density of 5 are used for powerful lasers while lenses with an optical density of 2 or 3 are meant for laser alignment. If you are working with high-intensity lasers, then you definitely will need a higher optical density. When reading the description, the initials OD will be used. Be sure to check the optical density on your next set of laser safety glasses.6. Ability to work with prescription eyewear: Many medical professionals wear prescription glasses to work on a daily basis. Some may choose to wear contacts with their safety glasses, but for some that just is not an option. If you wear prescription glasses, then you should look carefully for safety wear that works with your prescription eyewear. Many protective eyewear companies are sensitive to this need. Some companies offer fit over, which simply go over your normal glasses. These work well, but some feel they are too bulky. Some companies put prescription lenses into your laser safety glasses. This offers a more streamlined option. Look carefully through the catalog of options to find the perfect eyewear for you.7. Style: Style matters, especially in the professional setting. You want your clients to find your appearance reassuring, and you deserve to like the way you look. For years, there were few style choices. Fortunately, safety wear manufacturers now provide different styles. There should be several frame options. From the sleek styles to more goggle based designs. Some companies have started offering a range of frames as well. There will Shop around to ensure that you find the style that works for you.

8. Visible Light Transmission: When performing medical procedures being able to see is critical. Missing a crucial detail can be the difference between life and death. All laser safety glasses inhibit your vision to some extent. Safety glasses are designed to block laser light from entering your eyes, but while blocking the laser, they also block visible light. The higher the optical density, the less visible light that gets through. You must decide how much visible light you will need to perform your procedures. When shopping for laser safety glasses, each pair will feature visible light transmission percentage. This number might be high or relatively low depending on the wavelength that is blocked. When comparing similar glasses, you should always choose one with a higher visible light transmission.Lasers are changing medicine. These lasers have saved numerous lives, but they also require the proper equipment. Laser safety glasses are essential for many medical procedures. When choosing your next pair of safety glasses make sure you know which features you need. If you need help finding your next pair of laser safety glasses, then contact us. We will happily guide you towards the right pair of glasses.