What precaution should practitioners take to protect their eyes during laser procedures?

Using protective eyewear is crucial for safeguarding the eyes during laser procedures due to the intense and focused nature of laser beams. Laser light can cause severe damage to the eyes, potentially leading to permanent vision impairment or loss. Protective eyewear is specifically designed to filter out harmful wavelengths of light while allowing the practitioner to see what they are doing. This eyewear must be appropriate for the type and wavelength of the laser being used.

While wearing a face mask can help in certain situations, it does not provide any eye protection. Additionally, avoiding contact lenses may be considered for general safety reasons in some environments, but it does not effectively protect the eyes from laser exposure. Closing the eyes tightly does not provide adequate protection against laser light, as the eyelids do not fully shield the eyes from intense light or potential damage. Therefore, the use of protective eyewear is the most reliable and effective precaution to ensure eye safety during laser procedures.