5 Lasers Commonly Used in Ophthalmology

Posted by admin Filed in Vision on Saturday, July 18th 2009

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When in 1946 a German ophthalmologist named Gerd Meyer-Schwickerath used the focused light beam from a xenon arc lamp to perform a retinal coagulation on a human eye, his procedure completely revolutionized the world of ophthalmology. Light is noninvasive when it comes to reaching internal eye structures. That’s why, when Theodore Maiman tested the first successful laser in 1960, the optometry industry quickly began to research and develop ways of using this new technology. The lasers used in optometry today are incredibly precise and sophisticated. Computer software has made them especially powerful and accurate. Here are five of the most commonly used lasers in the field.

Femtosecond laser
The microkeratome blade is an uber-precise mechanical shaver that cuts a thin flap of exterior cornea during laser surgery. The femtosecond laser performs the same task as the microkeratome blade, but without the risks inherent. All-laser surgery minimizes healing period and reduces post-surgical discomfort.

Nd: YAG laser
A solid state laser, the YAG laser is one of the most commonly used lasers in optometry and in other medical procedures as well. Its typical wavelength is around 1054 mm and it can be used in pulse as well as continuous mode. Cataract surgery and peripheral iridotomy use YAG lasers. At higher frequency, the laser can be used for photocoagulation.

Krypton laser
Krypton lasers are a type of gas laser that employ krypton ions as gain mediums. They are commonly used in the treatment of macular degeneration, a disease that often affects the elderly and results in a loss of one’s central field of vision due to retinal damage.

Excimer laser
The excimer laser is the most widely used laser in the field of ophthalmology. It is extremely precise and, rather than burn through matter, it creates enough energy to break the molecular bonds holding matter together, so that the tissue it targets literally disintegrates into the air without affecting the remaining eye tissue.

Argon laser
Because it can be emitted at various different wavelengths in the ultraviolet spectrum, the argon laser is versatile in its uses. Discovered by laser technology pioneer William R. Bennett in the 1960s, it is commonly used in diabetic retinopathy, panretinal photocoagulation and open-angle glaucoma.

The history of ophthalmology has revolutionized since 1946, read about the ophthalmic equipment and the newest technology at Nidek.

Ryan Frank is a 23 year writer and blogger living in San Diego, CA

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/vision-articles/5-lasers-commonly-used-in-ophthalmology-1047017.html

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