What is the main safety concern when using lasers in medical applications?

The primary safety concern when using lasers in medical applications is eye safety. Lasers emit highly concentrated beams of light that can cause serious harm to the eyes. The eye is particularly vulnerable to laser injuries because the lens can focus the light onto the retina, potentially leading to permanent damage, including burns and scarring. This risk necessitates strict adherence to safety protocols, such as using appropriate eye protection and implementing safety measures to minimize exposure during laser procedures.

While electrical interference, fire hazards, and patient comfort are also important considerations in the use of medical lasers, they do not pose as immediate and severe risks to patient and staff safety as eye safety does. Therefore, special care is always taken to ensure that eye protection is used and that areas where lasers are operated are clearly marked to prevent accidental exposure.