Eye Safety: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) vs. LASER

Whilst the effects of light from an IPL machine and a laser can be identical when applied directly to the skin, there are several differences with regards to eye safety;

Laser light is often collimated, whereas light from an IPL flash lamp is highly divergent (spreads out). This means the 'hazard distance' is typically much less for an IPL.

Laser light is usually of a single colour, whereas the light emitted from an IPL covers a broad spectrum. Whilst this means that IPL machines are very versatile, it also means that safety eyewear is a problem. Eyewear that is 'dark' enough to shield your eyes from the flash is difficult to see though. In this case the 'visible light transmission' and the level of protection are very closely linked. It is important to note that (unlike laser eyewear) most IPL eyewear is for comfort (reduces the irritation of the flash) only and will offer very little protection from a direct exposure.