A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving bodily safety during
exposure to an eye hazardous monochromatic treatment light source by
diverging the light, such as with a diffusing unit attached to the light
source distal end so that the radiance of the light exiting the distal
end is an eye safe level. At a first position of the light source distal
end substantially in contact with an outer surface of a target, the
energy density of an exit beam from the distal end is suitable for
effecting a desired treatment, and at a second non-contact position of
the distal end the exit beam energy density is significantly less than a
value suitable for effecting the treatment. In an additional embodiment,
the diverging or diffusing unit has a device for evacuating vapors or
particles from the target.