Is It Necessary to Wear Wavelength-Specific Protective Eyewear When Operating LiDAR?

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology has become a key technology for industries such as autonomous driving, surveying, forestry, robotics, and geospatial mapping. However, because LiDAR systems use lasers (usually in the near-infrared (NIR) band), many users and technicians still face a key safety question: Do I need to wear protective eyewear of a specific wavelength when operating LiDAR? Let's break down the risks, laser classifications, and when wearing laser safety glasses is critical.

What is LiDAR? How does it work?

LiDAR systems emit laser pulses that measure distance by counting the time it takes for light to reflect from a surface. These pulses are usually invisible to the naked eye because they typically operate in the near-infrared spectrum, with wavelengths typically between 905 nm and 1550 nm.

Common LiDAR wavelengths:

905 nm: commonly used in consumer and automotive LiDAR

1550 nm: the wavelength of choice for high-end systems due to its higher eye safety

Despite being labeled "eye-safe," some LiDAR systems can still present risks under certain conditions.

Are LiDAR lasers harmful to the eyes?

Yes, lasers of different wavelengths are harmful to the eyes in different ways. For example, the 905 nm lasers commonly used in many consumer LiDAR devices can penetrate the cornea and lens and be absorbed by the retina. Prolonged or intense exposure to 905 nm laser radiation can cause retinal burns and permanent vision loss. On the other hand, the 1550 nm lasers commonly used in more advanced, higher-powered LiDAR systems are mostly absorbed by the cornea and lens instead of reaching the retina. But that doesn't mean they're harmless; improper exposure can cause corneal damage and lens opacity.

Why specific wavelength laser protective glasses are critical

Laser protective glasses are not one size fits all. Each pair of glasses is designed to block or attenuate light of a specific wavelength and power level.

Reasons to use glasses with specific wavelength protection:

Prevent eye damage: Because near-infrared laser wavelengths are invisible, they can cause retinal damage before you realize you've been exposed.

Comply with safety regulations: OSHA, ANSI, and IEC laser safety standards generally require protective glasses when working with Class 3B or higher lasers.

Enhance lab safety: Even brief exposure to high-power lasers during development or testing can cause permanent vision damage.

If your LiDAR system operates at 905 nm or 1550 nm and has a protection level higher than Class 1, you must wear glasses specifically designed to block that wavelength and are labeled with the corresponding optical density (OD) level.

Choosing the right laser safety glasses for LiDAR

When choosing laser safety glasses, make sure they meet the following criteria:

① Wavelength coverage: Because different lasers operate at different laser wavelengths, laser safety glasses must be selected according to the actual laser wavelength used to ensure that the protection range of laser safety glasses can cover the actual laser wavelength used. If the laser wavelength of the lidar is 905nm, you can choose our LP-YHP-2 laser safety glasses from LaserPair. If the laser wavelength is 1550nm, you can choose our LP-DTY laser safety glasses from LaserPair.

② Optical density (OD): The higher the optical density (OD value), the stronger the laser protection ability. Different laser working environments require glasses with corresponding OD values to ensure that the OD level is sufficient to attenuate the laser to a safe exposure level.

③ Certification: ANSI Z136.1 or EN 207/EN 208 laser safety certification

Conclusion: Is it necessary?

Yes – if you are working in an environment where LiDAR lasers are exposed, or during calibration, testing, or maintenance, you should wear wavelength-specific laser safety glasses. Even with so-called “eye-safe” lasers, situations can change quickly. Safety always comes first.