Real-world ocular safety performance of dermatologic laser and intense pulsed light goggles: a clinical safety audit

Effective ocular protection is essential during dermatologic laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) procedures to prevent retinal and corneal injury. Despite widespread clinical use, the real-world safety performance of protective goggles has not been systematically evaluated. To assess the real-world optical density (OD) performance of dermatologic laser and IPL goggles and to identify potential risks associated with inadequate eye protection. Optical density was measured across 350–920 nm using a xenon lamp–based spectrophotometric system for goggles used with IPL, long-pulsed Nd: YAG, Q-switched Nd: YAG, and pulsed dye lasers (PDL). Both new (≤ 1 year of clinical use) and aged (≥ 5 years) goggles were tested. Measured OD values were compared with ANSI Z136.1 maximum permissible exposure (MPE) thresholds. Most wavelength-specific laser goggles met or exceeded labeled OD specifications, providing reliable ocular protection. In contrast, several IPL goggles, including commercially branded models, failed to meet ANSI Z136.1 safety thresholds within portions of the 400–750 nm range. No significant difference in OD performance was observed between new and aged goggles. The measurement system was limited to ≤ 920 nm, and the number of tested goggle models was modest. While laser-specific goggles generally provided adequate protection, several IPL goggles demonstrated insufficient attenuation across clinically relevant wavelengths, posing potential ocular risks. Clinicians should verify wavelength-specific OD performance rather than rely solely on manufacturer labeling. These findings underscore the need for improved regulatory oversight, standardized certification, and increased awareness to ensure durable and consistent ocular protection in dermatologic practice.