What is one known risk associated with the use of lasers in surgery?

• A. Hypothermia
• B. Eye injury
• C. Infection
• D. Skin irritation

Answer: (B)

One known risk associated with the use of lasers in surgery is eye injury. Lasers produce highly focused light beams that, while effective for various surgical applications, can pose a significant hazard to both patients and surgical staff if appropriate safety measures are not observed. The intense light emitted by lasers can potentially cause irreversible damage to the retina or other parts of the eye, resulting in vision loss. This is particularly concerning as lasers might be utilized in procedures involving delicate tissues near the eye or when reflective surfaces are present in the operating room.

To mitigate this risk, protective eyewear is commonly worn by all individuals present during laser procedures, and specific protocols are put in place to ensure that the laser beam is contained and directed safely. It’s crucial for surgical teams to be aware of the dangers lasers present and implement the necessary precautions to protect everyone's eye safety.