Which type of lasers can be attracted to water, posing a potential burn hazard to the eye surface?

CO2 lasers are particularly attracted to water, which is a critical factor in their operation. These lasers emit light at a specific wavelength that is strongly absorbed by water molecules. When CO2 laser light interacts with water, the absorption can lead to significant thermal energy generation, which poses a burn hazard, particularly to tissues containing high water content, such as the eye surface.

This affinity for water makes CO2 lasers effective in medical procedures where tissue vaporization is desired, but it also necessitates a heightened awareness of safety measures when using them around the eyes. Since the cornea and other eye tissues are rich in water, exposure to CO2 laser energy can lead to tissue damage and burns.

In contrast, other lasers listed, such as YAG, diode, and ruby lasers, have different absorption spectra and are not as considerably absorbed by water, thus posing a lesser risk for burns specifically related to water content in tissue. Knowing these properties is essential for safe practices in laser treatments.