Laser safety glasses for tattoo and PMU removal: how to choose
Why operator and client both need safety glasses in laser tattoo and PMU removal, and how to choose them: wavelength range and optical density (OD).
I think every artist dreams of simple human things: a good reputation, success and happy clients. There are several ways to make these wishes come true, but only one of them really works: do your job conscientiously and carry out your procedures well and safely.
And today we are going to talk about exactly that: safety.
The first thing a specialist and their client need for effective, injury-free work is protective glasses.
When you buy laser equipment, special glasses often come with it. Many artists don't worry much about how reliable they are and go straight to mercilessly "shooting" the pigment. Some even work without any protective equipment at all, because why bother? But remember: neither option will lead to any-thing good.
Why are protective glasses needed at all?
On the whole, the name speaks for itself: they protect the eyes of the operator and the client from laser radiation.
Why is this radiation harmful to our eyes? Because an Nd:YAG laser belongs to the highest hazard class. Its output power is enormous, and the frequency of its electromagnetic wave can damage the cornea and retina in a fraction of a second.
In Nd:YAG lasers, the energy of pulsed radiation is quickly converted into heat, which causes instant burns and injuries.
Put simply, if a laser beam hits the eyes, a person can lose their sight completely!
Nobody wants that, right? So below I have prepared a checklist to help you choose truly reliable glasses for working with a laser!
How to choose good protective glasses
Unfortunately, the market is now full of so-called marketers who are ready to push anything on you except quality products. To avoid falling for their tricks and buying useless sunglasses, be sure to pay attention to the following...
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Special markings
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Make sure the glasses are marked with a wavelength range. There may be one or several such markings: for example, 740 to 1100 nm, or 532 to 1064 nm.
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Attention! The range must include the specific wavelength you work with.
No marking
- Sold as “laser safety glasses”, but there is no marking on them at all
Marked
- There is a marking, which gives more confidence in the quality of the glasses
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The glasses show an OD rating
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OD is the optical density index. It varies: OD4+, OD6, OD5+ and so on. The number in this rating indicates how much the glasses reduce the effect of the laser beam, so the higher the number, the better.
Lens marking: OD=6
Lens marking: OD=4+
OD6
- Reduces laser beam energy 1,000,000 times!
OD4+
- Reduces beam energy only 10,000 times
OD6 > OD4+
I hope you now understand why protective glasses are essential in laser removal and will have no trouble choosing reliable equipment. Remember, safety must come first!
A responsible and sensible approach to your work is an important step on the road to success. Professionals always have crowds of clients, and even experienced colleagues come to them for advice.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose laser safety glasses for tattoo removal?
Check the wavelength range marking, for example 740 to 1100 nm or 532 to 1064 nm; the range must include the wavelength you work with. Also check that the glasses show an OD rating.
What does OD mean on laser safety glasses?
OD is the optical density index, such as OD4+, OD5+ or OD6. The number shows how much the glasses reduce the effect of the laser beam, so the higher the number, the better.
Why are safety glasses needed for an Nd:YAG laser?
An Nd:YAG laser belongs to the highest hazard class and can damage the cornea and retina in a fraction of a second. If the beam hits the eyes, a person can lose their sight completely.
