There are very significant differences to the light emitted by Laser and IPL systems that have an impact on the relevant safety standards as well as the type of eyewear that can be used.

The known electromagnetic spectrum ranges from the very short wavelengths of gamma rays that are around 100 millions times shorter than visible light all the way out to radiowaves that have wavelengths around a thousand, million million times longer than visble light.  The visible spectrum composes only a tint portion of this range from around 380nm through to 740nm. 

Typically IPL systems are a broadband light sources that output energy over the whole of the visible spectrum and to a lesser amount in the near infrared between 740nm to 1200nm.  Safety eyewear designed to protect against IPL therefore needs to cut down the visible spectrum which directly results in reduced visibility.  Due to the energy output from an IPL being over a large wavelength range the light at each part of that range bends differently in the lens of the human eye and therefore focuses to a larger spot on the retina compared to a laser source.  A laser source has a very specific wavelength such as 810nm and therefore all of its energy bends through the lens of the eye in a similar way and focuses onto a very small spot on the retina producing a very high power density. This means that a similar power of IPL light is less hazardous than the equivalent power of a laser.

The ability of lasers to have such as large power density has resulted in L ratings being required for laser safety eyewear which isn't required for IPL devices.  L ratings are used to ensure that the laser eyewear will withstand a direct hit from a laser for a period of 10 seconds without burning through.

You can find more detailed information on the safety standards and how they apply to laser and IPL safety eyewear here or to see more information on our range of IPL Safety Glasses and Laser Safety Glasses.

Alternatively, if you want to discuss your specific requirements with one of our laser experts feel free to contact us on 1300 411 337 or email us at info@dioptika.com.