Safe Use Of Lasers Research Articles

Preconceived Impressions Regarding Holmium:YAG Laser Safety in the Urology Operating Theatre.

Since its introduction over two decades ago, the surgical laser has served in the lithotripsy of urinary calculi, resection of bladder tumours, bladder neck incisions, and prostate enucleation. Concerns regarding the safe use of holmium lasers have resulted in potentially excessive and overly precautious theatre regulations. We aimed to evaluate the preconceived impressions and practice patterns at a single site surrounding laser use in endourology. We designed a three-part online questionnaire that could be accessed using a smart device or computer. This survey was distributed to all theatre staff involved in laser surgery at our single site, including surgical, nursing, and anaesthetic staff of varying seniority. It asked questions regarding holmium laser safety, provided an up-to-date summary of published literature surrounding the safe use of lasers, and finally gave participants further option to alter the answers to several previously encountered questions. A total of 54 theatre staff completed the survey, including 17 theatre nurses (31.5%), 10 urology consultants (18.5%), 8 urology registrars (14.8%), 7 anaesthetic registrars (13%), 4 anaesthetic consultants (7.4%). About 51.9% of participants believed that current laser safety protocols were adequate, with 38.9% finding them excessive. After reading recently published information on laser safety, 22.2% thought current laser safety measures were adequate (57% decrease) and 77.8% found them to be excessive (100% increase). About 74.1% of participants found that laser safety goggles impair their vision and that 79.6% would choose not to wear them if they were optional. Strict laser safety guidelines reflect an overestimated risk associated with using holmium laser in operating theatres. Laser safety regulations should be re-evaluated to align with current research and potential hazards inherent to the device. In doing so, a more effective distribution of staff could enable greater access to laser surgery, thereby reducing patient morbidity and hospital wait times.

Исследование теплового воздействия фемтосекундных лазерных импульсов на эмбрионы мыши в рамках процедуры вспомогательного хетчинга

Impaired hatching of the embryo from the zona pellucida (ZP), the specialized protective shell, immediately before implantation is one of the factors of infertility. Hatching impairment is often due to the ZP hardening or thickening. In such cases, the laser assisted hatching procedure is used to overcome infertility. During this procedure a hole is drilled in the ZP facilitating the embryo release. The question of the safe use of laser for assisted hatching remains open, since laser beam can heat the environment and cause thermal shock in embryos. The study was aimed to assess safety of the mouse embryo femtosecond laser exposure during the assisted hatching procedure using the embryo viability and HSP gene expression assessment methods. A new type of pulsed laser was used in the study for the ZP dissection — the femtosecond laser. The energy of such pulses was two orders of magnitude lower than the energy of laser dissectors currently used in the clinics. To assess the femtosecond laser exposure to the embryo, the house mouse (Mus musculus) embryos were stained with fluorescence dyes, and expression of the genes encoding heat shock proteins (Hsp90aa1 and Hspa5) was assessed. The embryonic cells remained viable after the laser assisted hatching procedure involving the use of a femtosecond laser, while expression levels of the genes encoding heat shock proteins were slightly increased compared to the negative control group (p = 0.408).

The safe use of lasers in biomedicine: Principles of laser-matter interaction.

Optical radiation sources, and in particular lasers, find an ever-increasing number of applications in the medical field. It is essential that personnel who are in the presence of an optical radiation source, whether operator, patient or researcher, know precisely the risks inherent in the exposure of the human body to radiation. In order to reduce the risk of biological damage, beyond the provisions of the law on safety regulations, the precise information and accurate preparation of personnel are the main guarantee for the correct use of these sources. In all the application fields, the possibility of a biological damage cannot be completely eliminated, assuming the connotation of occupational risks. In order to understand the risks and operate their effective mitigation, the basic knowledge of the fundamental concepts at the basis of laser-matter interaction will be presented and discussed, with a focus on the physical parameters needed to efficiently estimate and mitigate the related occupational risks, in both a laboratory and clinical context.

Expert opinion about laser and intense pulsed light (IPL)-induced leukoderma or vitiligo: a cross-sectional survey study.

Vitiligo patients may desire laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, vascular treatments, and other laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) assisted treatments. However, there is a risk of inducing new depigmented patches (Koebner phenomenon). In absence of guidelines on the safe use of laser or IPL in vitiligo patients, dermatologists tend to be reluctant to administer these treatments. The aim of this survey study was to provide an estimation of the occurrence and related risk factors of laser/IPL-induced leukoderma or vitiligo. A cross-sectional survey study was performed among 15 vitiligo experts from 11 countries, with 14 questions about affected patients, involved laser/IPL treatments and the physicians' approach. In a total of 11,300 vitiligo patients, laser/IPL-induced leukoderma or vitiligo was reported in 30 patients (0.27%). Of these, 12 (40%) patients had a medical history of vitiligo and seven (58%) of these patients had stable (> 12months) vitiligo before the treatment. Most frequently reported were hair removal procedures and localization of the face and legs. Side effects like blistering, crusting, and erosions occurred in 56.7% of the cases. These vitiligo experts based their advice on the risk of the laser treatment on stability of the vitiligo (43%) and activity signs (50%), and 50% discuss the risks before starting a laser treatment. Relevant activity signs are the Koebner phenomenon (57.1%), confetti-like lesions (57.1%) and hypochromic borders (50%). Laser-induced leukoderma or vitiligo is an uncommon phenomenon. Remarkably, a minority had a medical history of vitiligo of which 58% were stable. Consequently, most cases could not have been prevented by not treating vitiligo patients. However, a majority had laser/IPL-induced skin damage. Therefore, caution is advised with aggressive settings and test-spots prior to the treatment are recommended. This study showed significant variation in the current recommendations and approach of vitiligo experts regarding laser/IPL-induced leukoderma or vitiligo.

543 Expert opinion about laser and Intense Pulsed Light induced vitiligo: a cross-sectional survey study

Vitiligo patients may desire laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, vascular treatments and other laser or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) assisted treatments. However, there is a risk of inducing new vitiligo patches (Koebner phenomenon). In absence of guidelines on the safe use of laser or IPL in vitiligo patients, dermatologists tend to be reluctant to administer these treatments. The aim of this survey study was to provide an estimation of the occurrence and related risk factors of laser/IPL-induced vitiligo.

Laser dazzler emitting three-colour radiation

The article presents a laser dazzle generating three overlapping laser beams of different colours and an analysis of the possibility of dazzling people with this radiation. The analysis took into account the eye’s photopic sensitivity and the additivity of the three radiation beams. Such analysis, to the knowledge of the authors, is presented for the first time. The possibility of dazzling for four different dazzle levels and three levels of ambient luminance was presented. It has been shown that in some conditions it is possible to damage the eye without causing the assumed dazzle effect. Full Text: PDF ReferencesJoint Non-Lethal Weapons Program, Non-Lethal Optical Distracters Fact Sheet, (2016). DirectLink https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/lasers/laws/ DirectLink N. Raoof, et al., "‘Toy’ laser macular burns in children", Eye 28, 231 (2014). CrossRef D. B. Gosling, J. B. O'Hagan, and F. M. Quhill, "Blue Laser Induced Retinal Injury in a Commercial Pilot at 1300 ft", Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance 87, 69 (2016). CrossRef J. Marshall, J. B. O'Hagan, and J. R. Tyrer, "Eye hazards of laser ‘pointers’ in perspective", Br. J. Ophthalmol. 100, 583 (2016). CrossRef N. Raoof, J. O'Hagan, N. Pawlowska, and F. Quhill, "Toy’ laser macular burns in children: 12-month update", Eye 30, 492 (2016). CrossRef S. Androudi and E. Papageorgiou, "Macular Hole from a Laser Pointer", New England Journal of Medicine 378, 2420 (2018) CrossRef J. E. Neffendorf, G. D. Hildebrand and S. M. Downes, "Handheld laser devices and laser-induced retinopathy (LIR) in children: an overview of the literature", Eye 33, 1203 (2019). CrossRef E. Linton, et al., "Retinal burns from laser pointers: a risk in children with behavioural problems", Eye 33, 492 (2019). CrossRef P. Dockrill, Science alert, (2020). DirectLink IEC 60825-1:2014, Safety of laser products - Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements (International Electrotechnical Commission 2014). DirectLink ANSI Z136.1-2014, American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers (American National Standards Institute 2014). DirectLink C. A. Williamson and L. N. McLin, "Nominal ocular dazzle distance (NODD)", Appl. Opt. 54, 1564 (2015). CrossRef C. A. Williamson and L. N. McLin, "Determination of a laser eye dazzle safety framework", Journal of Laser Applications 30, 032010 (2018). CrossRef J. Mlynczak, K. Kopczynski, M. Kaliszewski, M. Wlodarski, "Estimation of nominal ocular hazard distance and nominal ocular dazzle distance for multibeam laser radiation", Applied Optics, 60(22), 6414-6421 (2021). CrossRef CVRL Database, CVRL functions, Luminous efficiency functions, 2-deg functions. DirectLink Peter Lennie, Joel Pokorny, and Vivianne C. Smith, "Luminance", Journal of the Optical Society of America A, 10 (6), 1283-1293, (1993) CrossRef H. Cai and T. Chung, "Evaluating discomfort glare from non-uniform electric light sources", Lighting Research & Technology, 45 (3), 267-294 (2012). CrossRef

Safety Guidelines Concerning the Use of Protective Eyewear and Gauze During Laser Procedures.

The advancement of laser technology has seen its use gain popularity across a wide range of specialties to treat diseases, as well as address aesthetic concerns. In order to protect both the patient and the healthcare personnel providing treatment, instruction and knowledge of laser safety remain of utmost importance. In this paper, we discuss the classification of laser systems, review ocular injuries that may be caused by inappropriate laser exposure, and provide background on laser protective eyewear. In addition, we highlight the current recommendations for proper eyewear during laser use outlined in the American National Standards Institute standard Z136.3, Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care. Finally, although it is common in some healthcare facilities to place gauze under external eye shields or use gauze alone over eyes during laser procedures, this practice poses an extreme risk to both patients and healthcare personnel. Therefore, we discuss why the use of gauze under eyewear for any laser procedures is not recommended, and instead, offer suggestions to consider when acquiring safe and comfortable patient eyewear.

Design and characterization of a safe Shack–Hartmann type aberrometer for making in-vivo measurements: Heuristic approximation

The Shack–Hartmann technique is one of the most commonly used methods for measuring the optical aberrations of human eyes in−vivo. However, hazardous exposure could occur when the incident beam is focused on the retina if the illuminating system is not calibrated properly. This work describes in detail the steps taken to develop an experimental Shack–Hartmann type aberrometer with safe incident radiation for use on human eyes in−vivo. Preliminary results using a model eye indicate that the system is reliable. To ensure that no damage was done to the volunteer’s eyes, we decided in a heuristic approximation, to use only 2% of the maximum permissible radiation power suggested by the ANSI standard for the safe use of lasers. The ocular aberrations of a group of volunteers were measured with our system and the results were compared with those obtained with a commercial aberrometer. Despite the lower energy applied to the volunteer’s eyes, the experimental system showed to be efficient and accurate. The repeatability of the results was confirmed by comparing successive measurements of the aberrations of the experimental system, with smaller variations than those obtained with the Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor.

35. Laser in neurosurgery: Critical issues in security management

Purpose Safe use of LASER in Neurosurgery. Methods The Neurosurgery Department of Niguarda Hospital has recently acquired a class 4 LASER, with a wavelength of 2010 nm, for the resection of brain tumors. This high-technological device represents a great innovation for neurosurgeons with remarkable improvements in the operating mechanisms but it requires, at the same time, a particular attention in the choice of the other tools, such as endoscopes and microscopes. The protection of the operator’s eyes during surgery is particularly critical. Protection glasses, provided to the whole staff, interfere with the usual procedure of the neurosurgeon who keeps his eye in contact with the eyepiece. A possible option could be the introduction of a protective lens within the microscope optics, as in ophthalmology LASERs. We tried to solve the problem on our own. Results The introduction of this LASER brought to the prohibition of use with some particular tools and to the need of modify other devices. The microscope in Niguarda’s Neurosurgery Department is the mod. M530 produced by Leica. The LASER attenuation required to the lens for a safe use has been calculated, taking into account the need to visualize the pointing laser and the markers, necessary for the identification of the tumor mass. Since the microscope optics does not guarantee this protection, a system has been designed to hold an additional lens with the required protection on the microscope. Conclusions In order to provide a safe use of the new LASER, the staff has been equipped with specific protective glasses and the use of the disposable endoscope has been forbidden. The designed system is put into production and the use will be evaluated by the neurosurgeons. Safe use of LASER in Neurosurgery. The Neurosurgery Department of Niguarda Hospital has recently acquired a class 4 LASER, with a wavelength of 2010 nm, for the resection of brain tumors. This high-technological device represents a great innovation for neurosurgeons with remarkable improvements in the operating mechanisms but it requires, at the same time, a particular attention in the choice of the other tools, such as endoscopes and microscopes. The protection of the operator’s eyes during surgery is particularly critical. Protection glasses, provided to the whole staff, interfere with the usual procedure of the neurosurgeon who keeps his eye in contact with the eyepiece. A possible option could be the introduction of a protective lens within the microscope optics, as in ophthalmology LASERs. We tried to solve the problem on our own. The introduction of this LASER brought to the prohibition of use with some particular tools and to the need of modify other devices. The microscope in Niguarda’s Neurosurgery Department is the mod. M530 produced by Leica. The LASER attenuation required to the lens for a safe use has been calculated, taking into account the need to visualize the pointing laser and the markers, necessary for the identification of the tumor mass. Since the microscope optics does not guarantee this protection, a system has been designed to hold an additional lens with the required protection on the microscope. In order to provide a safe use of the new LASER, the staff has been equipped with specific protective glasses and the use of the disposable endoscope has been forbidden. The designed system is put into production and the use will be evaluated by the neurosurgeons.

Impact of diurnal IOP variations on the dynamic corneal hysteresis measured with air-puff swept-source OCT

The deformation amplitudes measured with air-puff OCT are sensitive to both (intraocular pressure) IOP and biomechanical properties of the cornea. Analysis of the amplitudes of corneal deformation is challenging due to interrelation of IOP and corneal biomechanics. In this study, we used natural diurnal IOP fluctuations to investigate corneal deformations in a number of subjects whose eyes were measured multiple times during a day. The results of analysis, based on corneal hysteresis, revealed a corneal hysteresis parameter, which remains constant during a day for each individual eye. We hypothesize that above-mentioned metric might correlate with biomechanical properties of the cornea without influence of IOP. Full Text: PDF ReferencesMeek KM, Tuft SJ, Huang Y, Gill PS, Hayes S, Newton RH, Bron AJ, "Changes in Collagen Orientation and Distribution in Keratoconus Corneas", Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci, 2005. 46(6): p. 1948-56. CrossRef Zimmermann DR, Fisher RW, Winterhalter KH, Witmer R, Vaughan L, "Comparative studies of collagens in normal and keratoconus corneas", Exp Eye Res, 1988. 46(3): p. 431-42. CrossRef Andreassen TT, Simonsen AH, and Oxlund H, "Biomechanical properties of keratoconus and normal corneas", Experimental Eye Research, 1980. 31(4): p. 435-441. CrossRef Heijl A, Leske MC, Bengtsson B, Hyman L, Bengtsson B, Hussein M, "Reduction of Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma Progression", Arch Ophthalmol, 2002. 120(10): p. 1268-79. CrossRef Chauhan BC and Drance SM, "The influence of intraocular pressure on visual field damage in patients with normal-tension and high-tension glaucoma", Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 1990. 31(11): p. 2367-2372. DirectLink Gelaw Y, "The impact of central corneal thickness on intraocular pressure among Ethiopian glaucoma patients: a cross-sectional study", BMC Ophthalmology, 2012. 12(1): p. 58. CrossRef Doughty MJ and Zaman ML, "Human Corneal Thickness and Its Impact on Intraocular Pressure Measures: A Review and Meta-analysis Approach", Surv Ophthalmol, 2000. 44(5): p. 367-408. CrossRef Liu J, and Roberts CJ, "Influence of corneal biomechanical properties on intraocular pressure measurement: Quantitative analysis", J Cataract Refract Surg, 2005. 31(1): p. 146-55. CrossRef Ehlers N, Hansen FK, and Aasved H, "Biometric Correlations of Corneal Thickness", Acta Ophthalmol (Copenh), 1975. 53(4): p. 652-9. CrossRef Harada Y, Hirose N, Tawara A, "The Influence of Central Corneal Thickness and Corneal Curvature Radius on The Intraocular Pressure as Measured By Different Tonometers: Noncontact and Goldmann Applanation Tonometers", J Glaucoma, 2008. 17(8): p. 619-25. CrossRef Alonso-Caneiro D, Karnowski K, Kaluzny BJ, Kowalczyk A, Wojtkowski M, "Assessment of corneal dynamics with high-speed swept source Optical Coherence Tomography combined with an air puff system", Optics Express, 2011. 19(15): p. 14188-14199. CrossRef Dorronsoro C, Pascual D, Perez-Merino P, Kling S and Marcos S, "Dynamic OCT measurement of corneal deformation by an air puff in normal and cross-linked corneas", Biomedical Optics Express, 2012. 3(3): p. 473-487. CrossRef Karnowski K, Kaluzny BJ, Szkulmowski M, Gora M, Wojtkowski M, "Corneal topography with high-speed swept source OCT in clinical examination", Biomedical Optics Express, 2011. 2(9): p. 2709-2720. CrossRef A. N. S. Institute, "American National Standard for Safe use of Lasers," (American National Standards Institute, Orlando, FL, 2000) DirectLink David R, Zangwill L, Briscoe D, Dagan M, Yagev R, Yassur Y, "Diurnal intraocular pressure variations: an analysis of 690 diurnal curves", Br J Ophthamlom, 1992, 76(5): p. 280-282 CrossRef Maczynska E, Karnowski K, Szulzycki K, Malinowska M, Dolezyczek H, Cichanski A, Wojtkowski M, Kaluzny BJ, Grulkowski I, Journal of Biophotonics (to be published).

Direct beam hazard analysis of large beam diameters for laser power beaming

The mission lifetime for unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) might potentially be increased by transmitting electrical power wirelessly, using a laser source and a photovoltaic array receiver, but such laser power beaming (LPB) requires lasers that present potentially serious dangers to the operators of LPB systems. The analysis in this paper seeks to optimize the wavelength range and corresponding enlarged beam diameters needed to eliminate or reduce direct beam laser hazards while appropriately powering group 1 unmanned aerial systems such as the DJI Phantom 4 or UGVs such as the iRobot 510 Packbot during their operation. A 125-W infrared laser with continuous wavelengths ranging from 800 nm to greater than 1400 nm, operated under the guidelines of The American Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers, is considered. This analysis concludes that for a wavelength of 1297 nm an eye safe minimum expanded beam diameter is 43 cm and that for wavelengths between 1050 and 1400 nm a skin safe minimum beam diameter is 28 cm.

Guideline Implementation: Energy-Generating Devices, Part 2—Lasers

Lasers have been used in the OR for many years and are essential tools in many different types of procedures. However, laser beams that come into contact with unintended targets directly or via reflection can cause injury to patients or personnel or pose other hazards, such as fires. The new AORN “Guideline for safe use of energy-generating devices” provides guidance on the use of all energy-generating devices in the OR. This article focuses on key points of the guideline that address the safe use of lasers. These include the components of the laser safety program, the responsibilities of the personnel in roles specific to use of a laser, laser safety measures, and documentation of laser use. Perioperative RNs should review the complete guideline for additional information and for guidance when writing and updating policies and procedures.

Laser display systems: Do we see everything?

Today, laser display systems can be bought very cheaply. Whereas not so long ago, the only “affordable” laser displays (>£200/$300) would typically be purchased by an amateur Disc Jockey for parties, today £40/$50 systems are readily available to the general public. These systems can be purchased from a range of local shops or over the internet, especially around holiday times such as Halloween, Christmas, and New Year. When buying such a product, users expect it to comply with the appropriate laser safety product/safe use standards, either IEC 60825-1:2014 [Safety of Laser Products—Part 1: Equipment Classification, and Requirements (International Electrotechnical Commission, Geneva, 2007)] or ANZI Z136.1:2014 [American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers (Laser Institute of America, Orlando, FL, 2014)]; however, as the authors are all aware from experience with laser pointers, this might not always be the case. So, can the authors assume that low cost laser displays always meet the standards? Or do the authors get more than the authors expect—not only for power and emitted wavelengths but also strobing of the laser patterns displayed. This paper considers a number of low-cost laser display systems and compares measured parameters with the information provided by the manufacturer.Today, laser display systems can be bought very cheaply. Whereas not so long ago, the only “affordable” laser displays (>£200/$300) would typically be purchased by an amateur Disc Jockey for parties, today £40/$50 systems are readily available to the general public. These systems can be purchased from a range of local shops or over the internet, especially around holiday times such as Halloween, Christmas, and New Year. When buying such a product, users expect it to comply with the appropriate laser safety product/safe use standards, either IEC 60825-1:2014 [Safety of Laser Products—Part 1: Equipment Classification, and Requirements (International Electrotechnical Commission, Geneva, 2007)] or ANZI Z136.1:2014 [American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers (Laser Institute of America, Orlando, FL, 2014)]; however, as the authors are all aware from experience with laser pointers, this might not always be the case. So, can the authors assume that low cost laser displays always meet the standards? Or do ...

Quality and safety management

The optical radiation emitted by lasers has the potential to damage the eyes and skin of patients and healthcare workers such as nurses, clinicians and medical technicians. Laser related accidents resulting in blindness and deaths have been reported. The EU directive 2006/25/EC “Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at work Regulations” aims to protect workers from the risk stated above by limiting the exposure levels to both eye and skin. Medical Physics departments in most hospitals are responsible for managing the safe use of lasers. A Laser Protection Advisor (similar to Radiation Protection Advisor) is responsible for implementing the safety control mechanisms, training staff on laser safety and investigating any adverse events when either patient or staff are injured. This talk will cover the quality and safety management of laser use. Delegates are advised to attend the topic on “Basic Physics and Technology of Medical Lasers” as a prerequisite. Basic principles of risk assessment, maximum permissible exposure (MPE) levels and laser classification are explained. Methods to keep exposure of unprotected skin and eyes below the MPE levels are demonstrated. Hazard control procedures such as controlled area access, written safe operating procedures, warning signs and lights, authorised use of equipment and the use of personal protection are explained. Principles and requirements of equipment quality assurance processes and procedures to maintain the quality of safety are demonstrated. Relevant legislations and standards are covered in this talk.

An historical overview of the activities in the field of exposure and risk assessment of non-ionizing radiation in Bulgaria

The exposure and risk evaluation process in Bulgaria concerning non-ionizing radiation health and safety started in the early 1970s. Then, the first research laboratory “Electromagnetic fields in the working environment” was founded in the framework of the Centre of Hygiene, belonging to the Medical Academy, Sofia. The main activities were connected with developing legislation, new equipment for measurement of electromagnetic fields, new methods for measurement and exposure assessment, in vivo and human studies for developing methods, studying the effect of non-ionizing radiation on human body, developing exposure limits. Most of the occupations as metal industry, plastic welding, energetics, physiotherapy, broadcasting, telephone stations, computer industry, etc., have been covered by epidemiological investigations and risk evaluation. In 1986, the ANSI standard for safe use of lasers has been implemented as national legislation that gave the start for studies in the field of risk assessment concerning the use of lasers in industry and medicine. The environmental exposure studies started in 1991 following the very fast implementation of the telecommunication technologies. Now, funds for research are very insignificant, and studies in the field of risk assessment are very few. Nevertheless, Bulgaria has been an active member of the WHO International EMF Project, since 1997, and that gives good opportunity for collaboration with other Member states, and for implementation of new approach in the EMF policy for workers and people’s protection against non-ionizing radiation exposure.

Laser Treatment Based on Minimal Intervention - Report of Cases

Since the development of the ruby laser by Maiman in 1960, many lasers are available today for clinical application in dentistry, based on minimally invasive (Ml) dental treatment in routine clinical procedures including dental cavity preparation, removal of dental calculus, caries prevention, and treatment of dentin hypersensitivity, anti-iriflammation for soft tissues, pain relief, surgical operations, and hemostasis. Dental treatment using a laser is a minimally invasive, painless treatment with a low burden on the patient, and may therefore be seen as a treatment that complies with the Ml concept. However, safe use of lasers must be the underlying goal of proposed or future laser therapy. To ensure that safe, effective Ml treatment is practiced when using lasers, it is essential to have a full understanding of their advantages and disadvantages before using them. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v4i2.20257 Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research and Education Vol.4(2) 2014: 91-93

Retinal injury by industrial laser burn

The following case study describes an injury sustained to the fovea of the right eye of a senior en gineer engaged in the repair of a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. Our patient presented with sudden loss of vision in his right eye following accidental exposure to an intense beam of light after the laser's xenon flash-lamp fired unexpectedly. This accident occurred while the patient was aligning the optical coupler mirror parallel to Nd:YAG laser rod ends using an L-CAT alignment aid. We describe the mechanism of retinal injury, outcome and important issues regarding the safe use of lasers.

Safe Use of Lasers

Safe Use of Lasers

Dental Lasers: A Review of Safety Essentials

The laser technology offers a wide range of uses in dentistry with certain advantages to the general dental practitioner like bloodless surgery, minimal post-operative pain, reduction of operative time and high patient acceptance. Patient acceptance has also been demonstrated in various studies. Apart of these major advantages, safety regarding the use of lasers cannot be neglected and has become an important concern in this modern era of dentistry, as application of this technology is growing day by day. Potential hazards can be encountered while using lasers like ocular hazards, tissue injury, inhaling the vapor emitted by the laser procedure, fire and explosion hazards etc. The safe use of lasers includes all the individuals who might be exposed either deliberately or accidently while using lasers and effective measures that can be undertaken by clinicians and health professionals to minimize the injuries caused due to laser accidents. The present article serves to explore the risks involved in the use of lasers in dentistry and suggest some of the laser safety protocols/measures that can be

의료레이저안전관리자의 역할과 국내 적용 방안 연구

레이저 기술의 발전과 더불어 다양한 의료영역에서 레이저가 사용되고 있으며 그로 인한 위험성도 증가하고 있다. 레이저를 안전하게 사용하기 위해서는 레이저의 안전에 관한 지식을 가지고 관리할 수 있는 사람이 지정될 필요가 있다. 이에 따라 많은 나라에서 레이저안전관리자 체제를 운영하고 있다. 의료레이저안전관리자는 레이저의 안전사용과 관련하여 교육과 훈련 등의 권한과 책임을 가진다. 본 연구에서는 의료레이저안전관리자의 미국의 운영현황을 살펴보고 의료레이저안전관리자의 역할과 국내 도입 방안을 살펴보았다. According to the development of laser technology, applications of laser in medical area, and the resulting risks are increasing. To ensure the safe use of laser, it is necessary to assign a person who has the knowledge of laser safety as MLSO(medical laser safety officer). In many countries, the system of laser safety officer management is operating. MLSO has the responsibilities and duties of the operation of the laser safety program, training, and education. In this study, we analyzed the adoption of MLSO through the investigation of the MLSO management status in United States.