Side Effects and Dangers of Laser Technology

Laser technology has become an essential tool in all walks of life - from medical and manufacturing to entertainment and personal devices. Although laser technology is precise and efficient, it also has a series of side effects and potential dangers that users and professionals must be aware of. This article will explore the side effects and health risks of laser use, including eye damage, skin hazards, and long-term exposure issues and how to choose the right laser safety glasses to protect our eyes.

What is a laser?

A laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) emits a focused, extremely powerful beam of light. Depending on its wavelength, power output, and exposure time, lasers can have both beneficial and harmful interactions with biological tissues.

1. Eye damage caused by laser exposure

One of the most serious hazards of laser use is eye damage. Even low-powered lasers can cause permanent damage to the retina, cornea, or lens if viewed directly.

Risks include:

Retinal burns

Temporary or permanent blindness

Glare and visual disturbances (from visible lasers)

Lasers in the 400-1400 nm wavelength range are particularly dangerous to the eye because they penetrate deep into the retina and do not usually trigger a blink reflex.

2. Skin Hazards

High-powered lasers, especially Class 3B and Class 4 lasers, can cause thermal burns, skin irritation, and long-term tissue damage.

Side effects may include:

Redness and inflammation

Pain from burns

Long-term pigmentation changes

Laser hair removal and cosmetic laser treatments may also cause temporary discomfort, swelling, or blistering if not performed properly.

3. Long-term exposure risks

While most ordinary users will not be exposed to high-power lasers for long periods of time, professionals in the medical, industrial and research fields may encounter the following risks:

Cumulative tissue damage

Increased risk of cataracts

Fatigue and headaches (caused by indirect exposure or eye fatigue)

Potential carcinogenicity (in rare or high exposure situations)

In these environments, proper laser safety training and wearing protective glasses and shields are essential.

Laser classification and safety level

According to international safety standards (IEC 60825-1), lasers can be classified as follows:

Class 1 laser: low-output laser (power less than 0.4mW), which will not exceed the MPE value for eyes and skin under any conditions. It can ensure safety in design and does not require special management.

Class 2 laser: low-output visible laser (power 0.4mW-1mW), lasers below 1mW can cause dizziness and inability to think, and closing the eyes for protection still cannot guarantee complete safety. Do not look directly into the beam, do not shine Class II lasers directly into other people's eyes, and avoid observing Class II lasers with telescopic equipment.

Class 3 laser: medium-power output laser. If the beam directly enters the eyes, it will cause varying degrees of damage. This type of laser is further divided into 3R and 3B. Class 3R is a visible continuous laser with an output of 1-5mW laser beam. Avoid observing 3R lasers with telescopic equipment, which may increase the danger. Class 3B is a 5-500mW continuous laser. It is very dangerous to observe directly in the beam.

Class 4 laser: high-power continuous laser (greater than 500mW), higher than the third level, there is a risk of fire. In addition to direct light, diffuse light and reflected light are also dangerous.

Before using lasers, we must remember to check the labels and safety levels.

How to use lasers safely

To minimize the side effects and hazards of laser technology, please follow the following principles:

Wear appropriate laser safety glasses

Avoid direct laser exposure to eyes and skin

Never point the laser at people or animals

Operate only within the recommended power range

Follow the manufacturer's safety instructions

Check and calibrate the equipment regularly

How to choose appropriate laser safety glasses

① Choose laser safety glasses according to the actual laser wavelength used. Different lasers work with different laser wavelengths. When choosing safety glasses, you must match the laser wavelength. If it is a red laser, you must choose safety glasses that can protect against red lasers, such as our LP-RHP and LP-RHP-2 laser safety glasses from LaserPair.

② Choose the appropriate optical density (OD value) according to the power of the equipment

The higher the optical density (OD value), the stronger the laser protection ability. Different intensities of laser working environments require glasses with corresponding OD values. It is generally recommended to choose a protection level above OD4. If it is a high-power working scene such as laser welding and laser cutting, you must choose a protection level of OD7+ and above.

③ Purchase products that meet safety standards

Choose laser protective glasses that are certified by ANSI Z136.1, EN207 or GB standards to ensure that their protective performance meets international or domestic safety standards. Our laser protective glasses from Rayscreen Technology not only meet international standards such as ANSI Z136.1, EN207, but also meet domestic GB safety standards.

Conclusion

While laser technology has brought countless benefits to modern life, it can also pose serious risks if used improperly. From eye damage and skin burns to long-term exposure hazards, understanding the potential dangers of lasers is essential for safe and effective use. Whether you are a medical staff, industrial worker or amateur, following laser safety guidelines can protect yourself and those around you from laser harm.