Laser Aesthetic Goggles Protection Level Standards: A Complete Guide

In the field of cosmetic dermatology and cosmetic laser treatments, laser goggles are a critical component of safety. These protective glasses protect patients and practitioners from harmful laser radiation that can cause irreversible eye damage. This article explores the laser goggles protection standards to help you understand how to choose the right laser goggles for various treatments.

What are laser cosmetic goggles?

Laser cosmetic goggles are safety glasses designed for cosmetic laser procedures such as: laser hair removal, skin reshaping, pigmentation treatment, tattoo removal, laser acne treatment.

Unlike standard safety glasses, laser goggles are designed to block specific wavelengths of laser light, depending on the wavelength of the laser used in the treatment.

Why laser protection standards are important

The laser devices used in cosmetic medicine emit concentrated beams of specific wavelengths. Even brief exposure to these beams can cause serious eye damage. Therefore, understanding and adhering to laser protection standards is not only best practice, but also mandatory in many regions.

Different laser treatments emit different wavelengths of light, each of which poses different risks to the eye. Protection level standards classify goggles based on their ability to block specific laser wavelengths to ensure the appropriate level of protection for each treatment. For example, some laser treatments use near-infrared lasers for skin rejuvenation, while others use ultraviolet lasers for hair removal. Goggles with mismatched protection ranges and inappropriate protection levels may not adequately protect the eyes from specific laser radiation, which can cause serious eye damage such as corneal burns, cataracts, or even permanent vision loss.

International Protection Level Standards

The safety and labeling of laser safety goggles are primarily governed by two standards:

1. EN 207 (European Standard)

EN 207 specifies the minimum protection requirements for laser safety glasses in Europe. Each pair of goggles is labeled with a protection code that indicates:

Wavelength range (e.g., 800–1100 nm)

Laser type and mode:

D = Continuous Wave (CW)

I = Pulsed

R = Repetitive Pulse

M = Mode Locked

Protection level (LB rating): shows the optical density and protection capabilities of the goggles. For example: D 1064 LB6

The higher the LB number, the better the protection.

2. ANSI Z136.1 (US Standard)

The ANSI Z136.1 standard is widely used in the United States. Although it does not specify specific labels like EN 207, it provides detailed guidance to help you choose the right goggles based on the following factors:

Laser wavelength

Laser power or energy

Exposure duration

Minimum optical density (OD)

Optical density (OD) measures the effectiveness of goggles in blocking laser light. For example:

OD 4 = blocks 99.99% of laser radiation

OD 6 = blocks 99.9999% of laser radiation

Goggles must meet or exceed the minimum optical density required by the laser system being used.

How to interpret the parameters of laser goggles

such as our laser cosmetic goggles LP-YHP-2 from Laser, the left lens shows: 800 - 900nm D LB5 + IR LB6 900 - 1080 D LB5 + IR LB7 LP S CE

D: continuous wave laser

IR: pulsed laser

800 - 900nm, 900 - 1080nm: wavelength range

LB5, LB6, LB7: laser protection level (high protection)

LP: manufacturer

S: mechanical resistance mark

CE: compliance with the directive

Be sure to match the laser beauty goggles with the output wavelength and level of the specific laser equipment used.

Tips for choosing the right cosmetic laser goggles

① Identify laser wavelength – Common wavelengths for cosmetic lasers include 532 nm, 755 nm (Alexandrite laser), 808 nm, 1064 nm (Nd:YAG laser), and 2940 nm (Er:YAG laser).

② Choose the appropriate optical density (OD) based on the power of the laser device being used.

③ Ensure compliance with EN 207 or ANSI standards – Only purchase certified protective eyewear.

④ Comfortable fit – Goggles should be comfortable to wear and allow for extended periods of time during treatment.

Conclusion

Cosmetic laser goggles are a critical safety tool in any cosmetic laser treatment environment. Understanding and adhering to appropriate protection level standards, such as EN 207 and ANSI Z136.1, helps to maximize operator and client safety, and by understanding these standards, practitioners in the cosmetic laser industry can make informed decisions about the goggles used to reduce the risk of eye injury and ensure the success of treatment.