Eye Protection from lasers

Laser exposure for only a fraction of a second could cause permanent eye damage including blindness. The most dangerous wavelengths for eyes are the ones that are focused (read concentrated/multiplied) onto the retina in the same way as visible light. This “ocular” range includes both visible and near infrared light which is 400 to 1400 nm wavelength. Laser welders usually emit wavelengths in the range 1064 to 1085nm, so are in the dangerous category.

Laser Safety Glasses, Protective Eyewear & Clothing

Light from the sun is comprised of many different wavelengths, from ultraviolet to infrared. Laser light is unique because all the light is at one wavelength (think of it as a colour). Most lasers operate in the ultraviolet, visible or infrared spectrums.UltravioletorUVlight consist of wavelengths between 100 and 400 nm (nanometers). Then we move into visible light, which consists of wavelengths in the region of 380 to 780 nm. Beyond visible light we have near infrared (IR) starting at 780 nm, and far infrared extending to a long wavelength of 1 mm.

Laser safety glasses and laser welding helmets

Laser safety glasses only protect you from the wavelength they are designed to block. There is no such thing as laser glasses that work for all lasers. They have to match the laser beam’s wavelength, and attenuate the incoming laser light by around a factor of one million (10^6, or OD6). In the worst case of a direct reflection at close range they must also be resistant enough not to be burnt through or shatter.

All laser protection eyewear must be clearly labelled with the wavelength range they provide protection for.

ANSI vs CE eyewear standards

ANSI Z136.1 covers laser eyewear safety in the USA, while EN207 covers Europe or CE countries. Both standards are similar and should protect you well. These standards require that laser safety eyewear is marked with the wavelength/s they cover, and OD (optical density) or attenuation factor at that wavelength. There are also “direct hit” resistance requirements, to make sure they withstand several seconds of direct laser impingement without being penetrated. However your face is also sensitive to laser and in practice, a laser welding helmet is required.