Q: How do I clean my laser safety eyewear?
A: Clean eyewear with clear water and neutral cleaning agents (e.g. a mild, household glass cleaner) and dry them gently with a soft cloth.
- Do not clean them dry- you could grind in small particles
- Never immerse them into water
- Do not use chemicals or acidic cleaning fluids for cleaning
- Do not insert them into sterilization or disinfectant fluids
- Never clean them with ultrasonic waves
- The provided micro-fiber pouch can be used to clean the eyewear
Any repairs to this product must only be carried out by the manufacturer, in accordance with the safety guidelines.
Q: What is the lifetime of laser protective eyewear?
A: The lifetime of laser protective eyewear will depend on how it is treated. The protection from an absorptive filter will not lessen over time. Eyewear with coatings will provide protection as long as the coating is unscratched. Careful treatment, proper care, and environmental factors all affect the lifetime of the eyewear.
Glasses that show any defects (e.g. damaged or scratched filter, color changes in the filter, damaged metal enforcement on the inside of the frames) should not be used. If you have any concerns, please contact our technical support for a safety inspection of your glasses.
Q: Can you repair laser safety glasses?
A: Yes, of course. We repair frames and replace damaged filters. Simply contact one of our customer representatives to secure a return authorization for all product service and repairs.
Q: Can I look right into the laser beam with my laser safety glasses?
A: You should NEVER stare directly into a laser beam. Laser safety glasses are designed to protect your eyes against an accidental direct or diffuse exposure of the laser beam. The length of time a pair of laser safety glasses would survive a direct hit will depend on the irradiance of the beam. The eyewear should give you an indication you are being exposed and allow you to take appropriate actions (move out of the way).
Q: Can I have the glasses with a different color filter?
A: The color of absorption filters is determined by the dye or coating used to attenuate the laser wavelength to which you could be exposed. You should never assume protection solely on the color of the filter. Plastic and Glass filters can vary on color even for the same wavelengths.
We continuously research new dye and glass materials that will offer the greatest protection and visibility to the user.
Q: I have a pair of glasses (e.g. for an Nd:YAG Laser). Can I use them for my new laser as well?
A: Laser protective eyewear is labeled with its attenuation factor (Optical Density in the US and Scale number in Europe) as well as what wavelength(s) is it designed for. To use with another laser, first calculate the Optical Density or Scale number. If the attenuation factor and labeled wavelength match the markings for the eyewear, it will protect against the new laser. If the wavelength falls outside of the labeled range or the calculated attenuation is below what is labeled, the eyewear should not be used for the new laser.
Feel free to contact us or give us a call at 800-393-5565. We can review the specifications of the filter and determine its effectiveness. We can carry out the calculation and check for your specific applications.
Q: Why is there no universal pair of laser protective eyewear?
A: To cover all lasers, you would need a material that does not transmit any radiation for visible, ultraviolet and infrared radiation (such as a sheet of steel). The wider the range of wavelengths needed for protection, the greater the challenge. Some wavelength bands, such as UV from 190 nm to 360 nm, are readily available. However, when going from visible into the infrared, there are more wavelengths to coverage. A filter covering all the wavelengths would be impossible to see through.
Q: Do you have laser safety glasses by hazard classification?
A: ANSI Z136.1 and EN 60825-1 have developed a hazard classification system. These classifications range from Class 1 to Class 4. They offer information about potential risks to the user and the requirements for your laser safety program. It does not relate to protection requirements of laser protective eyewear.