The very first application of laser was in the field of medicine.
For cataract removal, lasers are used.
Laser scalpels are used for bloodless surgery. When the tissues are cut the blood veins cut are fused at their tips by the infrared laser and hence there is no blood loss.
In laser angioplasty for the removal of artery block, Nd: YAG lasers are used. The laser radiation is sent through fibre to the region of block. It burns the excess growth and regulates the blood flow without need for a bypass surgery.
In dermatology, lasers are used to remove freckles, acne, birth marks and tattoo.
Lasers are used in breaking kidney stones and gall stones into smaller pieces. Laser pulses sent through optical fibres shatter the stones.
Lasers are used in cancer diagnosis and therapy. When that region is illuminated with ultraviolet laser, the natural dye accumulated in cancerous region glows with red colour indicating the presence of cancerous cells. The photosensitive dye Proferin is injected into the patient’s body, and the dye will get concentrated in cancer cells. When suspected areas are illuminated with laser of appropriate wavelength, cancer cells are destroyed.
Ophthalmologists started using Argon ion lasers for welding retinal detachment. The retina is the light-sensitive area at the back of the eye. If it is torn or extended, it may lead to blindness. The green beam of Argon ion laser is strongly absorbed by red blood cells of the retina and welds the retina back to the eye ball.
| Read More Topics |
| Basic components of a laser |
| Piezo – Electric oscillator |
| Magnetostriction oscillator method |
