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Properties of
Laser Light

How Laser
Energy is Generated

Laser Tissue Interaction

Holmium Laser
in Endourology

Anatomy of a Laser Pulse

Understanding Energy Density

Safety Precautions

Ocular Hazards

Skin Hazards

Other Hazards

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Ocular Hazards

The laser's properties make it a great clinical tool—mono-chromatic, directional and coherent. These same properties make it a potential hazard to your eyes. Think of your eye as a special type of tissue. The eye's interaction with laser energy also depends on the laser's wavelength. The yellow dotted line indicates where the holmium laser (2100 nm) falls in the electromagnetic spectrum. Holmium laser energy will be absorbed by your cornea. Under prolonged exposure, aqueous flare, cataracts, or corneal burn may occur.

The holmium laser beam is INVISIBLE, never stare directly at the working beam.

All procedure room personnel, including the patient, should wear appropriate laser safety eyewear while the laser is in operation, even if the procedure is being done endoscopically.