Ocular Complications of Cosmetic Laser Use in Patients and Treating Doctors/Estheticians: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series.

Cosmetic laser treatments are extremely popular and widely available. Along with increasing laser use, there are also reports of rising adverse effects, the majority of which are noted to involve the eye. This systematic review was conducted to assess the nature and severity of ocular injuries associated with various cosmetic lasers in both patients and laser operators and to deduce methods of reducing such incidents. A total of 24 case reports/case series involving ocular adverse effects of cosmetic lasers were retrieved using the following keywords: "cosmetic laser," "patient," "aesthetician," "laser operator," "dermatologist," and "ocular injury," either singly or combined. The databases searched include PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Science Direct. Anterior uveitis was noted to be the commonest adverse effect, and retinal laser burns were the most vision-threatening. Ocular morbidities in the treating physician/esthetician were also noted, many of which were accidental in nature.