Ocular hazards of curing light units used in dental practice – A systematic review

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine the literature and summarize studies that describe the potential ocular hazards that are posed by different systems of light curing units mainly used in the dental clinics, to ensure the safety of the operator, patient and the auxiliary staff in the dental clinic.MethodsThis systematic review was reported and conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The online databases PubMed and Google Scholar were used for data search. MeSH terms were used for PubMed search. Randomized controlled clinical trials, original studies and in-vitro studies conducted up to 2018 in English language were included in the review. Eight articles were included in the study after application of eligibility criteria, all of which were in accordance to the review protocol.ResultsThe total wavelength dose received can cause Ocular damage which suggest that light intensity is correlated to the duration required to cause a certain level of damage, and we can substitute the long light exposure by using of a lower intensity light.ConclusionThis review concludes that blue light poses maximum risk to cause retinal degeneration based on the evaluated studies. Most of the studies recommend the use of protective eyewear in order to limit exposure of the patient, operator and assistant to the LCUs. It is not advisable to stare directly into the light source and the recommended safe exposure times and distances for patient, operator and assistant must be strictly adhered to in the dental practice.

High-Power LED Units Currently Available for Dental Resin-Based Materials—A Review

“…Hence, it remains controversially discussed whether the use of the latest LCUs with very high radiant emittance values may actually require longer exposure than the values suggested by the manufacturer to properly cure resin-based materials [ 6 ]. Some authors of the reviewed studies question the “concept of exposure reciprocity” that assumes that when applying the same radiant exposure, the degree of conversion will be the same, regardless of the irradiance level or time of exposure [ 36 ] and assume that such relationship cannot be established to resin-based dental materials when using high-power LCUs [ 15 , 16 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]; others, on the other hand, agree on the potential of these units in reducing irradiation time without a significant loss of material properties [ 10 , 27 , 28 , 30 , 31 ]. Some unexpected results found in the reviewed studies may be explained by the mismatch between the stated radiant emittance and the actual emitted values.…”

“…Symptoms such as hyperalgesia, hypersensitivity, and spontaneous pain, typical of acute pulpitis, suggest this damage [ 21 ]. As claimed by Rueggeberg et al and Alasiri et al other adverse events have been reported, such as burning sensation on the surrounding soft tissues and ocular hazard, when high levels of blue light are emitted [ 23 , 24 ].…”

Adequacy of resin composites light curing: A survey on Current Awareness and Practice Among General Dentists in Saudi Arabia

“…The use of protecting eye shields during light curing has been advocated. (30)In a previous study, one-third of the dentists did not use any personal eye protection during light curing resin composite restorations. 1.7% of participants stated that they did not utilize any sort of eye protection against blue light.…”

Dental Unit Prototype With Electric Dental Chair and Dental Light Parameters

“…Meanwhile, another research [11] in which the results of this research resulted in an average value at low light intensity of 587.1 lux, at bright intensity of 747.25 lux, and at brighter intensity of 1324.1 lux. The sensor used in this research was the HC SR04 proximity sensor to make it easier for users not to adjust the intensity of the operating lamp, the selection of the HC SR04 sensor was to calculate the distance between the lamp and the object, not the intensity of the lamp, which system was controlled by the ATMega328 microcontroller.…”