Abstract
Experiments were carried out to determine the extent to which CO2 laser protective eyewear was damaged on exposure to a surgical laser beam. Lenses from a range of goggles were exposed for up to 10 s to a 20 W beam and those which failed were exposed for 10 s to a 4 W beam. A successful outcome was defined as one where the irradiance transmitted through the lens material was below the Maximum Permissible Exposure level, as defined in the British Standard, BS 4803. Dielectric-coated glass lenses and absorptive glass lenses afforded good protection for periods much longer than 10 s. Plastic lenses were unreliable although it is possible that they might still confer adequate protection at reduced irradiances.
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References
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Fenner, J., Moseley, H. Damage thresholds of CO2 laser protective eyewear. Laser Med Sci 4, 33–39 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02032507
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02032507