What is the typical cost of laser eye protection devices such as laser glasses or laser safety goggles?

As with most safety equipment, there is a wide range of prices for laser eye protection devices. This is definitely not an area where shopping only at websites offering deeply discounted prices is a good idea. Health and safety should be taken seriously when working around this type of equipment. Most companies offering laser eye protection carry a range of products that will fit your organization's needs while meeting its budget. Typically, prices vary from around two hundred and fifty dollars to just over three hundred dollars a pair. Choosing polycarbonate lenses over glass lenses, as well as selecting frames that are lower cost can help decrease the expense of these items without reducing the quality of protection for your employees and technicians. Prescription types of radiation eyewear are in the same price range, of course depending largely on the type of lens and the specifics of the prescription.

Where can I purchase laser eye protection and how many glasses or goggles am I required to purchase in an order?

Purchasing laser eye protection online is a good option that can save you time and money. Some companies may require that you purchase a minimum dollar amount or number of items, but there are also companies that allow any size of order. If this is the first time ordering with a company, consider placing a small order and checking out the shipping charges, delivery time, and the ability of the company to make the sale work for you as the consumer. If you wish to be invoiced, or set up an account with the company, this will also be a consideration you will need to research before placing the order.
It is important to carefully read and understand the return policy, no matter which online company you order from. Some companies only allow returns within a set time of the order and only for very specific reasons. Some may also charge a restocking free for you to return the product. In most cases, you will also be required to pay the return shipping charge. Knowing the policy and following any specific requirements for a return will make the transaction as smooth as possible in the event that the laser safety eyewear isn't what you wanted.


With very dark tinted lenses for specific laser wavelengths what additional considerations need to be in place?

Depending on the type of laser system in use, the glasses or goggles may have very dark tinted lenses. If this is the case, additional light sources may be needed for employee safety and vision. If vision is restricted because of the combination of dark lenses and overall reduced lighting, it is not a safe work environment. Check all requirements and follow all OSHA and ANSI standards for both workplace lighting as well as laser safety protection in the workplace. Having a work area with enough visibility, combined with the correct laser eye protection will allow for a safe and smooth experience.

What are the major signs of laser injury to the eyes if laser safety glasses aren't used?

Many different symptoms can be associated with laser injury to eyes, unfortunately it is often not until significant damage occurs that the individual realizes the problem. For different laser wavelengths, the damage will be slightly different. There are few pain receptors within the eye and the retina, so laser damage may not be easily noticed. Problems and symptoms of laser energy exposure are usually caused by either not having glasses, or wearing the incorrect glasses. One common problem is experiencing bright color flashes when exposed to a visible light beam. The color flash will correspond to the particular wavelength that caused the damage. With retinal damage the ability to distinguish between green and blue colors may become increasingly problematic and the retina may develop spots of pigmentation, leading to vision problems. Certain types of laser systems, including the YAG systems, can produce serious long term retinal damage known as visual disorientation. Occasionally, a sound that resembles a loud pop is heard when the damage occurs, but may not be associated with a vision problem until later when subsequent exposure worsens the problem.

What is the most popular style of laser safety glasses and why?

The most popular style of laser safety glasses in most labs are the wrap around style, usually because they are lightweight, fits any adult sized head, and are also very comfortable to wear. Wrap around styles provide good side shielding and are similar to popular styles of sunglasses, so they look less like traditional laser safety glasses. Other popular styles include the aviator styles, which have a larger lens area and provide a very clear field of vision. The selection of the style of glasses used in your facility is a personal choice. However, keep in mind that the more comfortable the frames are, the more likely all employees will be in wearing their glasses as required.

Can I tell what type of lenses are in laser safety glasses by the color of the lens itself?

No. There is no way to tell what specific wavelength and optical density that laser safety glasses are designed for just by the lens color alone. This is because there are only very slight variations in many of the lens colors, and they are virtually undetectable to the human eye. In addition some lens colors are the same but are designed for different wavelengths. It is therefore important to do some additional coding or identifying of the laser safety glasses based on the specification of the laser system they were ordered for use with. It is a good idea to begin a color coding system or a number system that associates one type of lens and glass with a specific laser system. This way employees, technicians and others who work in the facility don't assume thatall amber lenses can be used with a particular laser system, or that all red lenses are acceptable with another.