Laser Safety
Goggles
Visible and Infrared A wavelengths penetrate through the cornea to be focused on a small area of the retina, the fovea centralis. This process greatly amplifies the energy density and increases the potential for damage. Lesions may form on the retina as a result of local heating of the retina subsequent to absorption of the light.
doctorVet laser comes with 3 pairs of laser safety goggles. These are rated with an Optical Density (OD) of 5+ for wavelengths between 800 and 950 nm.
Safety goggles OTHER than the ones provided may NOT be used with doctorVet.
Signage
Absolute ContraIndication
Directly into the eye
The lens of the eye focus light so a power density that is safe outside the body can be DANGEROUSLY high once focused on the retina. Also, we do not have a blink reflex to infrared light since it is invisible to our eyes, so your natural defense is no help.
You CAN treat along the periphery of the eye. As long as the light is not focused by the lens of the eye (i.e. does not enter the eye’s cone-field of view) the light can be used as a very effective therapy.
Directly over a cancer or tumor
Laser therapy promotes cellular metabolism and proliferation regardless of whether the cell is healthy, damaged, benign, or malignant. The last thing you want is to stimulate an already over-productive cell that is fighting against the body.
For terminal cases, laser therapy can certainly increase a patient’s quality of life. Make sure to educate and get consent from the pet-owner. Also, you CAN treat anatomies that are geographically isolated from a tumor if you are confident there are no metasteses in the area.
Directly over gravid uterus
This is strictly for medical legal reasons.
There has never been any study showing any negative risk of laser therapy to an unborn fetus.
Directly over recent steriod/NSAID injection site
There are a wide variety of chemicals in these injections, some of which are light- or heat-sensitive. Also, the concentration of some injections is very high around injection sites, so to avoid any irritation, best practice is to stay away from these sites.
You CAN treat pre-injection. The actual light is what can potentially irritate the injection site, and after treatment there is no light. You can wait a full biological half-life of the drug to begin treating around an injection site.
Directly over Thyroid gland
This is where many of the body’s hormones are produced. There is a risk to over-produce some of them, which could lead to negative clinical side-effects.
For hypothyroid conditions, laser therapy may actually help. Also, studies have shown an increase in melatonin and other useful endorphins by treating the pituitary gland. Using this positive system effect could be advantageous.
Indicators
