IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) outputs a broad range of wavelengths typically from 200nm through to 1200nm that covers the visible spectrum (400nm - 700nm), the infrared (700nm - 1200nm) and the ultraviolet (200nm - 400nm).
As IPL produces a significant amount of energy in the visible spectrum in order to protect against this, IPL safety eyewear tend to be fairly dark for the operator to see through. The level of protection and corresponding darkness of IPL Glasses comes in three standard shade levels:
Shade 2 - This is the lightest shade and typically lets through 15% of the visible spectrum, therefore, giving a lower level of protection but higher visibility for the operator.
Examples of shade 2 IPL Glasses:
http://www.lasersafetyglasses.com.au/lg-011lw-ipl-...
http://www.lasersafetyglasses.com.au/lg-011swl-ipl...
Shade 3 - Shade three is the mid shade level and gives a balance of visibility and protection with a visible light transmission of 7%. This is the most popular shade level of IPL Safety glasses we do for operators.
Examples of Shade 3 IPL Glasses:
http://www.lasersafetyglasses.com.au/lg-011-ipl-sa...
http://www.lasersafetyglasses.com.au/lg-011n-opera...
Shade 5 - Is the darkest shade and lets through 2% of visible light. This makes it too dark for practical use by the operator, however, is sometimes used on the client when the IPL is not being used close or on the face. If it is being used on the face block-out IPL eyeshields should be used.
Examples of Shade 5 IPL Glasses:
http://www.lasersafetyglasses.com.au/lg-011nd-mode...
Lastly, there are what are called active IPL Safety glasses that overcome the issue with the level of protection being directly related to the visibility by using shutters or liquid crystals to darken in response to the IPL flash. An example of these can be shown in the link below.
http://www.lasersafetyglasses.com.au/next-generati...
If you would like to talk to someone about the most appropriate IPL Glasses for your requirements contact one of our experts on 1300 411 337 or email us at info@dioptika.com