Can you receive permanent eye damage from IPL lasers without eye protection?

Question

During a laser hair removal treatment, the physician accidentally activated the laser while I was looking directly at it. Both of us were not wearing any eye protection. She was standing about 2 feet away from me, but I still watched the glass turn bright red while the bright flash was emitted. Should I worry about permanent eye damage? I didn't see any spots afterwards which I suppose is a good thing. Thank you!

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thanks for your query. No once exposure to laser will not make any difference. It does not cause any permanent damage. It might cause darkening for a while and then it gets back to normal. Hope it helps.All The Best

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Eye burns will be noticeable immediately most likely if there truly was a problem.  I suggest getting an eye exam if you are concerned.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question Ms.MMB. I am sorry to hear
about your situation. IPL is a light-based treatment to address various
concerns for rejuvenation of the face and other areas. Really the only way one can get damage to the eye is if the IPL is directly over the eye without eye protection. Some physicians actually use the IPL without wearing eye protection themselves while within a foot of the light source. This allows them to visualize the skin better and I have not heard of eye damage in such cases. Please consult with a
doctor for specific recommendations.  Good luck!

Corey Frucht, MD, PhD · Answer

Hello, and thanks for your question. You would probably be noticing problems if your eyes were injured by the incident. You are much less likely to have sustained an eye injury from IPL than you might have been from an actual laser. Either way, this is why it is important to leave any device on stand-by until everyone in the room has eye protection. Best of luck, Dr. Frucht.

Jeffrey M. Joseph, MD · Answer

This is a very good question. It is not likely to cause any harm from that distance, but there are reports of eye reactions and/ or damage after IPL. Discuss with your treating physician or an eye specialist if you are concerned.

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Can you receive permanent eye damage from IPL lasers without eye protection?

Answers (5)

Answer: Eye injury after IPL?

Answer: Eye injury after IPL?

Answer: Can IPL damage my eyes?

Answer: Can IPL damage my eyes?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about IPL

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