Is It Normal to See an Intense Red Light During Laser on the Face?

Question

I had a patch test today for laser hair removal on my upper lip and chin. The technician provided me with safety goggles/glasses while this was carried out, however during the test, even with my eyes tight shut I could see a strong and intense red light. Is this normal? Should the goggles not filter this light out? I asked this and advised it was normal??

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

It is certainly possible to see flashes of light during a laser treatment, even if all precautions are taken. During treatment, ensure that not only are you wearing proper fitting goggles, but that you keep your eyes tightly closed as well during treatment.

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

Lasers can damage the eyes so your question is appropriate. When treating the face with laser, I protect the eyes with tight fitting laser goggles/eyeshields that you can't see through, not regular laser glasses which have a gap underneath and do not provide a tight seal. Patients often still see bright flashes when laser treatment is done on the face, but the tight-fitting laser goggles provide sufficient protection. Keeping your eyes closed provides added protection. The amount of laser light reaching your eyes is not sufficient to cause any damage in this situation. Make sure that the laser goggles/eyeshields fit snuggly around your eyes with no gap visible underneath the goggles.

Shankar Lakshman, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

This is an important question! Here are the rules:

	1) Any laser procedure to the face should be done with properly fitted goggles-these are often called "patient" goggles and are not the same as the operator goggles

	2) Safety Eyewear Must be worn by ALL people in the treatment room

	You CAN see flashes of light, but if you are wearing the correct goggles and they fit snugly, you eyes are protected.

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

Lights that you can see during laser treatments are visible wavelengths of light - similar to camera flashes. The goggles are used to filter out other wavelengths, but yes, it's common to see a reddish or whitish light. That's the visible wavelengths of the laser being used and they are fine.

Is It Normal to See an Intense Red Light During Laser on the Face?

Answers (4)

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