A surface that would be a diffuse reflector for a visible laser may be a specular reflector for an infra red laser beam. Whether a surface is a diffuse reflector or a specular reflector will depend upon the wavelength of the beam. Diffuse reflections from Class 4 lasers are capable of initiating fires. These reflections do not carry the full power or energy of the primary beam, but may still be harmful, particularly for high powered lasers. Mirror-like surfaces that are not completely flat, such as jewelry or metal tools, may cause diffuse reflections of the beam. After treatment, your skin appears to have severe sunburn and heals over approximately one. The CO2 laser is an ablative laser, which means it causes microchannels of injury in the skin, which promotes new skin growth and rejuvenation. Curved mirror-like surfaces will widen the beam such that while the exposed eye or skin does not absorb the full impact of the beam, there is a larger area for possible exposure.Ī diffuse surface is a surface that will reflect the laser beam in many directions. This laser carries the most recovery time but also produces the most dramatic improvement in sun-damaged skin. Specular reflections from mirror surfaces can be nearly as harmful as exposure to the direct beam, particularly if the surface is flat.

The eye or skin is exposed to the full irradiance or radiant exposure possible. Intrabeam exposure means that the eye or skin is exposed directly to all or part of the laser beam. Particularly for high powered lasers, exposure to beam reflections may be just as damaging as exposure to the primary beam.

Table 1 summarizes the probable biological effects of exposure of eyes and skin to different wavelengths.Įxposure to the laser beam is not limited to direct beam exposure. Photochemical effects depend greatly on wavelength. A change in cell chemistry may result in damage or change to tissue. This happens when the laser beam causes localized vaporization of tissue, causing the shockwave analogous to ripples in water from throwing a rock into a pond.īeam exposure may also cause photochemical effects when photons interact with tissue cells. The severity of the damage is dependent upon several factors, including exposure duration, wavelength of the beam, energy of the beam, and the area and type of tissue exposed to the beam.Īcoustical effects result from a mechanical shockwave, propogated through tissue, ultimately damaging the tissue. Thermal effects are caused by a rise in temperature following absorption of laser energy. The biological damage caused by lasers is produced through thermal, acoustical and photochemical processes. Effects can range from mild skin burns to irreversible injury to the skin and eye. Improperly used laser devices are potentially dangerous.

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