PATIENT SAFETY

LASER CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS

  • NEVER look directly into a laser with the naked eye. If the laser is powerful enough, it can cause permanent heat damage to the back of the eye and blindness.
  • NEVER treat a known or suspected cancer or tumor without approval from an oncologist or primary physician. There is the potential that the laser could stimulate the cells and promote growth.
  • Do NOT treat patients that are on immune suppression therapy because the light may boost the immune system.
  • Do NOT treat a fetus. It is just not worth the risk.
  • Do NOT treat directly over a bacterial infection.
  • Do NOT treat directly over a pacemakers, cochlear implant or any internal electronics.
  • Do NOT treat a patient with Epilepsy. Especially with a pulsing laser that could trigger an attack.
  • Do NOT treat a port. The laser may stimulate the cells to block the port.
  • Do NOT treat the brain. There is much research currently being done on the use of laser therapy and brain damage. Dr. Hamblin, the Author of The Handbook of PhotoMedicine is a big advocate for usinglasers specifically to help with brain damage. Here in Colorado, the Neuro-Laser Foundation specializes in treating TBI with a laser.
  • Do NOT treat someone with diabetes. There are many clinics that specialize in treating diabetic neuropathy using a laser to directly treat the numb and painful areas and there are quite a few studies that show good results treating diabetic neuropathy with a laser.
  • Avoid using the laser over the thyroid gland. Some practitioner treat the thyroid gland to boost production of thyroid. There is some research showing positive results.
  • Avoid treatment before or during pregnancy. PowerMedic in Denmark has seen good results in treating infertility using a laser but this not FDA cleared.
  • Pins, Metal Plates and Plastics are NOT Contraindicated: This can include fabric inserts, as well as metal implants, pins, plates and plastics.
  • Be careful treating children and sensitive adults. Start with a the smaller dosage for the first treatment.
  • Avoid treating someone with a fever.
  • Avoid treating or significantly reduce the dosage for patient that may be photosensitive or have a stronger reaction to light like patients that are taking any light sensitive drugs including thyroid medication, Retin-A, tetracycline and St. John’s Wort.
  • Avoid treating people with sensitive skin.
  • Avoid treating any area with a sunburn or recent high sun exposure (including tanning booths). The laser can increase the reaction of these areas and increase the level of sunburn.
  • Suspend therapy if the patient is feeling pain from the treatment or if they have any unusual reactions to the therapy.
  • Avoid treating anyone with a coagulation disorder. Lasers can increase blood flow and this could result in unexpected consequences.
  • Be careful treating an area with a Tattoo or other dark marks. Dark ink can absorb all the energy and create a hot spot that might burn the skin. This is how laser tattoo removal works.