I didn't wear protective goggles during laser session. Any side effects?

Question

I undertook tattoo removal session on my hand with ND:YAG laser but specialist didn't give me the protective goggles and I was observing the procedure around 10min (I saw red laser beam on my hand) until she told me to close my eyes. Do you think it will have any long term damage to my eyes? I am afraid now.

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  I can't say for sure whether you will suffer any long term effects on your eyes from not wearing laser eye protection, but you definitely need to return to your treating physician and make sure they are aware that an error occurred in their safety protocol.  They will need to re-train all their technicians and anyone who is involved in laser treatment, whether it is the patient in a room, the technician performing the procedure, and anyone observing the treatment.  Every participant in every laser procedure needs to be wearing eye protection, regardless of the wavelength or type of laser.  Different lasers require different types of eye protection, so that also needs to be a re-educational topic for the office you went to.  Please bring it up to the supervising physician and make sure they don't continue to put other patients' eyes at risk!  I also recommend you see your ophthalmologist as soon as possible to have your eyes checked.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Goggles during laser treatments are a must for patients and technicians (or anyone else in the room)! Any device emitting light or laser needs goggles. This is just poor management and training. You don't just close your eyes. As your appointment was short, I'm sure that no harm will come, but seriously, that is dangerous and they should not be allowing that. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

I didn't wear protective goggles during laser session. Any side effects?

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I didn't wear protective goggles during laser session. Any side effects?

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Everything you need to know about YAG Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.