What safety equipment is essential for patients during laser procedures?

Protective eyewear is essential for patients during laser procedures due to the potential for harmful laser light exposure to the eyes. Lasers emit high-intensity light that can cause serious eye injuries, including burns or permanent damage to retinal cells. Each type of laser has a specific wavelength, and the eyewear is designed to filter that wavelength and protect the patient's eyes. By using appropriate protective eyewear, the risk of injury is significantly minimized, ensuring patient safety throughout the procedure.

While noise-cancelling headphones, anesthesia masks, and cooling gels can be beneficial in different contexts, they do not directly address the critical need for eye protection from laser exposure during such medical procedures. The primary focus in laser safety is preventing eye injuries, which is why protective eyewear takes precedence as essential safety equipment.