Which organization is responsible for approving eyewear used during laser treatments?

The organization responsible for approving eyewear used during laser treatments is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ANSI develops standards that ensure safety and performance across various industries, including healthcare and optical products. Specifically, ANSI has set forth criteria that help in the evaluation and certification of protective eyewear designed for use in environments with potential laser exposure.

In the context of laser treatments, adequate protective eyewear is crucial because lasers can emit light at wavelengths that are harmful to the eyes if exposed. Therefore, ANSI's role in establishing safety standards is pivotal in ensuring that these eyewear products provide the necessary protection and meet rigorous testing requirements.

While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also plays a considerable role in regulating medical devices, including some types of eyewear, ANSI's focus is specifically on the standards for safety and performance that must be adhered to by manufacturers of protective eyewear. Other organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), have broader public health and workplace safety roles, but they do not directly develop standards for optical protection in the context of laser safety.