Laser Safety Glasses

Laser Light Hazards
Human eyes are sensitive to light radiation. Although we are naturally able to protect ourselves by automatic blinking and averting our eyes from an overly bright light, we can’t respond quickly to higher power levels of light that can cause serious and often irreversible retinal damage. 

Visible laser wavelengths (380-700 nm) can pose a significant eye hazard, as the eye focuses them onto the retina, potentially causing burns and damage. The blink reflex can offer some protection, but high-powered lasers or prolonged exposure can lead to injury.

Unlike visible light (380 – 780 nm), near infrared wavelengths (700 – 1400 nm) are invisible, meaning the eye's natural protective blink reflex is not triggered, leading to potentially longer exposure times and greater risk. These wavelengths are particularly dangerous to the human eye, with the retina damage occurring before exposure is noticed. Infrared radiation (1400 – 11000 nm) is likewise invisible but felt as heat which can cause damage to the eye's lens and burn the cornea.

If you work with or are around laser equipment, you must protect your eyes from laser radiation, regardless of whether the laser wavelength is visible or not. Even at lower power output levels, it is possible to cause irreversible ocular injury from a single accidental exposure to a direct or reflected laser beam.

Understanding Laser Eye Protection
Laser safety glasses are designed to block the hazardous wavelengths of light while allowing safe levels of visible light to pass through, preventing exposure to direct, reflected, or scattered laser radiation that could harm your eyes or even blind you. 

NoIR offers a wide selection of carefully formulated custom filters for various applications and laser types used in research laboratories, medicine, aesthetics, industrial facilities, scientific institutions, and other applications.

Browse our LaserShield® filters using the Wavelength Selection Tool in the left side navigation. If you need to calculate the OD for your required level of protection, please use our OD Calculator tool or call us at 800-521-9746 to assist you with choosing the right filter for your application.

The optical density indicates how much laser light is blocked, with higher numbers providing greater protection. Different wavelength ranges correspond to various types of lasers, from UV to visible to infrared. 

Choosing the Right Protection
How do you choose the right protection for your eyes?

• Know your laser wavelength and recommended optical density (OD) which can be found in your laser manual. You can also enter the laser output parameters into our online OD calculator to determine the protection level you need, whether it’s continuous wave, single pulse or multiple pulse laser.  
• When given a selection of filters that fit the specified wavelengths and OD for your application, choose the one with the highest visible light transmittance (VLT).
• Find a frame that best fits your needs and can be worn comfortably for long stretches of time.  Our selection includes lightweight wrap-arounds as well as fitovers that can be worn over prescription glasses. Many styles offer adjustable features for a secure, comfortable fit during extended use.

Industry Applications
Our laser safety glasses serve different industries and applications:

• In medical settings, they protect healthcare professionals during laser surgeries and therapeutic procedures as well as patients. 
• Science and research laboratories rely on them for protection during experimental work with various laser systems.
• Industrial users find appropriate protection for laser cutting, welding, marking and cleaning applications.
• Educational institutions need proper eye protection for their laser laboratories and demonstrations.
• The telecommunications industry requires specific protection during fiber optic work, while the entertainment sector needs appropriate eyewear for operating laser light shows and displays.
• Veterinarians and their furry patients need eye protection for laser therapy treatments.

Whatever your field, we can help you find the appropriate safety solution that meets your requirements and complies with all relevant safety regulations and standards.

Quality and Certification
All laser safety glasses in our inventory meet or exceed applicable safety standards.

Each pair comes with detailed documentation of its protective capabilities and certification status. Every product undergoes final inspection to ensure high quality that provides reliable protection.

If you have laser safety eyewear but feel it’s time to replace it, we can help you choose the right pair of glasses for your application. Our product documentation includes information about care and maintenance to help you preserve the protective properties of your safety glasses and recognize when they need to be replaced.

Expert Support
Choosing the right laser safety protection can be challenging. Our team will be happy to help you navigate the selection process to find the right pair of laser safety glasses to fit your needs.

With NoIR you have the protection you need to work safely with laser systems, no matter what laser wavelength you are working with.