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Protect your eyes during laser surgery

Ambulatory Safety Monitor, July 14, 2005

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Many clinicians don't understand the level of penetration of different lasers used in electrosurgery. Some reflect off of skin and tissue, some are absorbed, and the depth of absorption varies among instruments.

It's better to take precautions in caring for your eyes during electrosurgery, says James P. Keller Jr., MS, director of Health Devices Group. "Electrosurgery isn't more dangerous than other methods; it's just used more frequently," he says.

Keep it undercover

Some lasers can travel through windows, Keller says. To prevent injury to someone passing by during electrosurgery, cover the permeable panes. Also make an extra set of eyewear available just outside the doorway in case someone needs to enter the room during the procedure. Hanging a set of goggles at eye level next to the door will remind staff to use protection.

Many healthcare providers consider their regular eyeglasses an ample safeguard. This is not always so, Keller says. "Everyday eyeglasses will protect you from most CO2 lasers, but you won't have side protection," he says. "It's best to use regulated eyewear over eyeglasses because you don't always know how much each laser penetrates."

Take care of your baby blues

Surgery centers should require eye exams for those employees who work with lasers. This keeps your staff safe and also protects your organization from problems in the future. For example, if former employees claim their eyes were hurt on the job, you can go back to your files and see if eye injuries developed while employees worked at your facility.

To ensure your organization maintains ample documentation about your staff's eye care, require exams at the following points during employment:

• Upon hire, if the employee will work with lasers
• After an incident occurs during a procedure with lasers
• At the end of employment

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