What safety requirement is specified for staff when using the Spectranetics Excimer Laser?

• A. Staff must wear safety glasses
• B. Staff must wear lead aprons
• C. Staff must wear full-face shields
• D. Staff must wear sterile gloves

Answer: (A)

Eye protection is essential when using an excimer laser because its ultraviolet energy can injure the eyes. The Spectranetics Excimer Laser operates in the UV range (around 308 nm), and even brief or reflected exposure can cause corneal damage (photokeratitis) or other eye injuries. Therefore, staff must wear safety glasses that are specifically rated to block the laser wavelength and provide adequate optical density. This protection should be in place for anyone in the room while the laser is energized.

Lead aprons shield against ionizing radiation from fluoroscopy, not ultraviolet laser energy. Full-face shields aren’t a substitute for laser-rated eye protection and may not offer sufficient UV filtering, and sterile gloves protect hands rather than eyes. The key safety requirement is wearing laser-rated safety glasses.