The FDA Classification of Light-Based Medical Devices

• Basis for classification of surgical laser devices

• Laser standards

FDA regulates radiation emitting electronic products. The purpose is to prevent unneces­sary exposure to radiation due to the use of these products. There are specific requirements that apply to all radiation-emitting electronic products in order to comply with the provisions of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. If the product is also a medical device,71 the product must also comply with the medical device regulations. Medical lasers have been catego­rized either in Class II or Class III, depending upon the specific application involved.

Updated: October 1, 2015 — 9:05 am