Scattered UV laser radiation did not exceed occupational exposure limits at distances greater than 30 cm from either laser calibration targets or patient treatments over a workday. Laser eye protection is not necessary to protect operating room personnel since exposure levels are very low even under a worst-case scenario.

The scattered actinic UV laser radiation from the VISX Star S3 excimer laser did not exceed occupational exposure limits during a busy 8-hour workday, provided that operating room personnel were at least 80 cm from the treated eye. While the use of protective eyewear is always prudent, this study demonstrates that the trace amounts of scattered laser emissions produced by this laser do not pose a serious health risk even without the use of protective eyewear.

No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

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