Measurement of Blue-Light and Near-UV Hazard from High-Peak-Power Surgical Pulsed LEDs and Lasers

Abstract

High-peak-power pulsed LEDs and surgical lasers are increasingly used for illumination, fluorescence guidance, and minimally invasive procedures. Their short, intense pulses may elevate the risk of blue-light and near-UV photochemical damage to ocular tissues. This work establishes a measurement system capable of capturing the temporal and spectral characteristics of rapid pulses, enabling accurate calculation of cumulative hazard over typical surgical use periods. Experimental results on representative devices show that pulse structure significantly affects photobiological risk estimates. The study highlights the need for refined exposure assessment methods tailored to pulsed surgical light sources.