There are many misconceptions about how to identify, select, and use laser eye protection (LEP). For instance a common misperception is that the color of the eye protection should be the same as the laser, that is if the laser beam is green then so should the LEP. Unfortunately, it is not quite that simple, the color of the LEP does not correspond to the color of the beam. To help alleviate some of these falsehoods this paper discusses a simple approach of how to choose the appropriate LEP. Whether using LEP indoor with the lights on or off, or outside on a range during the day or at night, it is important that the LEP have the correct optical density (OD) at the specified wavelength(s), with sufficient transmittance to be usable, as well as physically and spectrally compatible for your specific needs.

1.
American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers Z 136.1
,
Laser Institute of America
(
2007
).
2.
American National Standard for Testing and Labeling of Laser Protective Equipment Use of Lasers Z136.7
,
Laser Institute of America
, (
2008
).
3.
Bizzi
,
E.
(
1974
)
The coordination of eye-head movements
.
Scientific American
.
This content is only available via PDF.
You do not currently have access to this content.