Acute anterior uveitis following eyebrow hair removal with 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser: two case reports

Abstract

Abstract Background Laser hair removal using Alexandrite (755 nm) and Nd: YAG (1064 nm) lasers is a widely performed cosmetic procedure. dual-wavelength systems, such as the Candela GentleMax Pro, combine both wavelengths to improve treatment efficacy and versatility. Although generally considered safe, ocular complications may occur during periorbital applications, particularly when appropriate eye protection is not used. While previous reports have described anterior uveitis following Alexandrite laser exposure, ocular complications specifically attributable to the Nd: YAG wavelength remain poorly documented. Case presentation We report two cases of acute unilateral anterior uveitis following eyebrow hair removal using the Nd: YAG (1064 nm) channel of the Candela GentleMax Pro device in two healthy female patients aged 24 and 32 years. Both patients underwent laser epilation without protective eyewear and developed pain, photophobia, and blurred vision within 6 to 24 h of the procedure. Ophthalmologic examination revealed ciliary injection and anterior chamber inflammation in the affected eyes, while the contralateral eyes were normal. Other causes of unilateral anterior uveitis, including herpetic etiology, were clinically excluded. Both patients were treated with topical prednisolone acetate and tropicamide eye drops, resulting in rapid clinical improvement and complete resolution within days to few weeks without residual complications. Conclusions These cases highlight a potentially underrecognized ocular complication associated with Nd: YAG laser systemduring periorbital hair removal procedures. The findings emphasize the importance of strict ocular safety measures, including the use of wavelength-specific protective eyewear or corneal shields, as well as adequate operator training, to minimize the risk of sight-threatening complications.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection, 2026 · DOI ↗