Adherence to optical safety guidelines for laser‐assisted hair removal

Abstract

Background In recent years, there was a rise in ocular injuries secondary to cosmetic laser‐assisted hair removal. Purpose To assess the level of adherence to optical safety guidelines during laser‐assisted hair removal performed by nurses or physicians in private practice. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted at thirty‐one private laser‐assisted hair removal clinics. An electronic random number generator using a cluster random sampling technique was used to select the clinics. The Alexlazr™ (Candela Corp.) device operator's manual checklist was modified to collect data from laser device operators and patients by surveying the laser rooms, interviewing the patients, and observing the treatments. Results Ninety‐four patients treated by different service providers were included from 31 private centers. All treatment sessions were delivered by trained nurses. Only 9.5% had acceptable adherence to optical safety guidelines during hair removal treatment, while the majority (90.5%) of service providers were poorly adherent. None of the providers achieved excellent adherence to optical safety guidelines. The item with the least adherence was the lack of non‐reflective floors inside laser rooms in 72.3% of centers. All service providers were familiar with the laser system controls and emergency shutdown (100% adherence). Conclusion There is a significant deficiency in the safety precautions at laser‐assisted hair removal centers that can result in devastating ophthalmic injuries. Companies providing laser‐assisted hair removal machines should be involved in aiding these centers to implement safety procedures.

Review of Eye Injuries Associated With Dermatologic Laser Treatment

“…The 2 most common areas of noncompliance were having reflective flooring or surfaces in the treatment rooms and lack of appropriate and prominent warning signs outside of treatment rooms. 15…”

Retinal toxicity after facial laser epilation

“…In 62% of the cases, eye protection was not worn at the moment of laser application [2]. A literature review regarding the adherence to optical safety guidelines for laser hair depilation found that 72,3% of the cosmetic centers had a lack of nonreflective floors and 59,6% of the providers did not instruct patients not to look into the laser beam or its reflection even while wearing protection goggles [5].…”

Macular burn secondary to diode laser epilation

“…In a study conducted to evaluate the amount of adherence to optical safety criteria in centres performing laser-assisted epilation, it was determined that only 9.5% of the implementing facilities met the appropriate level of adherence. 7 Before beginning laser epilation, eye protection or glasses must be worn by the patient, the practitioner, and every observer in the area. Each device demands the use of proper eye protection or glasses based on its wavelength.…”

“…1 Patients should be informed of basic safety precautions such as avoiding staring directly into the laser beam, even when wearing safety glasses. 7 Patients should be informed of any potential dangers associated with laser epilation. Because the thin structure of the eyelid skin allows laser energy to penetrate deep ocular structures, periocular laser epilation applications involve significant dangers.…”