Laser Protective Eyewear

laserspect.jpg (6726 bytes)
whennec.bmp (334 bytes) When in unshielded presence of an operating Class 3b or Class 4 laser, or when in the same room and there is any chance that the beam will become active.
whatnec.bmp (402 bytes) Eye cover (goggles, glasses, shield) specifically designed for protection from the class and the wavelengths in use, and which is stamped with the optical density (OD) at the wavelength of concern.
dondoff.bmp (538 bytes) Make ABSOLUTELY SURE the eyewear you're about the put on is the correct protection for the wavelength(s) in use -- terrible mistakes have been made because somebody else put goggles back in the wrong lasergog2.jpg (8654 bytes)bin or the wrong case.  Do not just grab a pair and assume they're the correct ones!   If eyewear is shared, it should be cleaned before and after use with a disinfectant towelette or mild soap and water.   Eyewear is properly worn when it is comfortably situated on head/face in a position that prevents the possibility of the beam reaching either eye from any location.  Visually inspect eyewear for damage before use and after removal.  If there is an elastic band it should be springy and firm, or it should be replaced before the eyewear is used.  Do not use eyewear with cracks or weaknesses.
limitations.bmp (266 bytes)   Ensure that optical density and wavelength of the eyewear is appropriate for the beam type and energy.  The optical density of laser eye protection is the log of the reduction factor (i.e. a reduction factor of 100 is indicated by OD = 2 and OD = 6 implies a reduction factor of one million). 
careetc.bmp (742 bytes) Laser eyewear is impressively expensive in most cases, and the manufacturer's instructions should be followed carefully in order to ensure as long a lifetime as possible.  When taken good care of, they should last for years.  Care and maintenance is simply a matter of keeping them clean and protected from damage.  There are no special disposal considerations.

NOTE:  Laser Safety training is required for class 3b and 4 laser users.  It can be given by REM or by another qualified person (the supervisor, typically).  Contact Dr. Josh Young of REM if you wish to have assistance in selecting correct eyewear to purchase; proper OD, visual T, and wavelength.