{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Adherence to optical safety guidelines for laser-assisted hair removal.
{Author}: AlTaleb RM;Alsharif HM;Younis AS;Alsulaiman SM;Abouammoh MA;
{Journal}: Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed
{Volume}: 35
{Issue}: 5
{Year}: Sep 2019
{Factor}: 3.254
{DOI}: 10.1111/phpp.12473
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>In recent years, there was a rise in ocular injuries secondary to cosmetic laser-assisted hair removal.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To assess the level of adherence to optical safety guidelines during laser-assisted hair removal performed by nurses or physicians in private practice.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A cross-sectional study was conducted at thirty-one private laser-assisted hair removal clinics. An electronic random number generator using a cluster random sampling technique was used to select the clinics. The Alexlazr™ (Candela Corp.) device operator's manual checklist was modified to collect data from laser device operators and patients by surveying the laser rooms, interviewing the patients, and observing the treatments.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Ninety-four patients treated by different service providers were included from 31 private centers. All treatment sessions were delivered by trained nurses. Only 9.5% had acceptable adherence to optical safety guidelines during hair removal treatment, while the majority (90.5%) of service providers were poorly adherent. None of the providers achieved excellent adherence to optical safety guidelines. The item with the least adherence was the lack of non-reflective floors inside laser rooms in 72.3% of centers. All service providers were familiar with the laser system controls and emergency shutdown (100% adherence).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>There is a significant deficiency in the safety precautions at laser-assisted hair removal centers that can result in devastating ophthalmic injuries. Companies providing laser-assisted hair removal machines should be involved in aiding these centers to implement safety procedures.