Conversion of aesthetic lasers and intense pulsed light sources into inherently eye‐safe units

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Laser systems used in aesthetic treatments pose a serious risk to the eyes of bystanders and equipment operators. Although much safer than lasers, intense pulsed light (IPL) sources are also not without risk.OBJECTIVE: To present a technology that can convert most lasers and IPL units used in aesthetic clinics into inherently eye‐safe devices not requiring the use of protective eyeglasses, thus making them Class I devices. With the exception of Q‐switched lasers, this new technology also dramatically reduces the potential hazards of lasers that do not attain Class I level to below that attributed to flashlamps. A device that eliminates the annoying glare generated by the reflection of pulsed light from the skin is also presented.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The new eye‐safe technology is based on the attachment of a highly efficient wide‐angle forward scattering optical diffuser to the distal end of the laser delivery handpiece. This device is used in contact with the treated area without modification of the conventional treatment parameters and preserves clinical efficacy. The handpiece is designed to act as an eye‐safe, extended diffusing light source complying with Class I eye safety standards in most laser types. The technology also makes IPL devices safer by reducing the radiance of the flashlamp, which is hazardous when viewed directly by operators or bystanders. Skin glare is also eliminated by a liquid crystal, glare‐free window activated in synchronization with the treatment pulses.RESULTS: Clinical hair removal results with an 80 degree diffuser did not reveal any difference when compared with results obtained with the original laser source. The incorporation of a diffuser in an IPL unit has not modified its clinical efficacy.CONCLUSION: With the exclusion of Q‐switched lasers, it is possible to convert a large number of lasers and IPL units utilized in aesthetic treatments into inherently eye‐safe units, thereby considerably enhancing the comfort and safety of aesthetic clinics without sacrificing clinical efficacy.