Understanding the Differences Between IPL and Laser Safety Glasses

Laser

Sep 15

⏱ 1 Min Read

A common question we receive is whether IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) glasses can be used for laser treatments, and vice versa. To answer this, it's crucial to grasp the core differences between IPL systems and lasers.

Differences Between IPL & Laser Safety Glasses?

IPL vs. Laser: The Basics

IPL systems emit energy across a broad spectrum of wavelengths, typically ranging from 400nm to 1100nm. This wide range includes both visible and infrared light. In contrast, lasers produce energy at a very specific wavelength, such as 1064nm.

How Safety Glasses Work

Laser Safety Glasses: These are designed to protect your eyes from specific, narrow wavelengths of laser light. For instance, laser glasses might filter out a wavelength like 1064nm with extremely high attenuation levels, sometimes up to OD 7 (Optical Density of 7), which is equivalent to reducing the light intensity by 10 million times. This high level of protection is necessary due to the concentrated and precise nature of laser light.

IPL Safety Glasses: On the other hand, IPL glasses need to protect against a broad range of wavelengths, typically from 400nm to 1100nm. They do this with lower levels of attenuation, such as 20X or 30X, because IPL light is dispersed over a wide range rather than being focused on a single wavelength. If IPL glasses were designed to block a broad spectrum with the same high attenuation level as laser glasses, they would be excessively dark and impractical for use, as they would block out even visible light.

Why You Shouldn't Swap IPL and Laser Glasses

The fundamental differences in how IPL and lasers deliver light mean that their safety glasses are not interchangeable. Laser safety glasses are highly specialized for narrow wavelength protection, while IPL glasses are designed for a broader spectrum with different attenuation requirements.

If you have more questions about choosing the right safety glasses for your equipment or need further clarification, don't hesitate to reach out to Sara Mac.

Understanding these differences ensures that you use the right protective gear for your specific needs, keeping your eyes safe and ensuring optimal performance of your equipment.