subject: Uses of laser technology [print this page] Uses of laser technology Uses of laser technology
Laser technology was one of the defining breakthroughs of 20th century science, and continues to be adapted in new and crucial ways into many areas of modern life. From bloodless surgery to nuclear fusion, laser technology has opened up a whole new realm of possibilities, as scientists and surgeons are now able to explore areas that they were previously unable to, due to the greater precision and accuracy afforded by lasers.
Since its development in 1958, laser technology has advanced to become ever more refined and widespread, to the point that laser readers are now a key component of many consumer electronic devices, not least CD and DVD players which allow manufacturers to store ever larger amounts of data on optical discs. Lasers have uses beyond the world of entertainment, perhaps most notably in the field of laser medicine.
There are many advantages of lasers across the field of medicine, from laser scalpel surgery to cosmetic surgery on the skin and laser eye surgery, allowing skilled practitioners to direct computer-controlled beams of light at a patient's cornea and correct their vision with rapid results. By removing the need for physical contact in many cases, lasers allow a much finer and more accurate result from surgery, allowing surgeons to operate on delicate areas of the body that were previously all but inaccessible.
Laser eye surgery has come a long way since it was first patented in the 1980s, and now offers a high success rate, thanks to continuing development of the laser technology. Laser eye treatments can now be carried out in mere minutes, and in many cases patients are able to return to work and daily activities within 48 hours of their eyes being treated.
There are many types of laser eye surgery available to treat patients with differing eye conditions - from the industry standard LASIK, which delivers fast results with minimal recovery time, to more advanced methods that include techniques such as Wavefront guided technology, which allows surgeons to create a three-dimensional map of the eyes of patients with more severe eye problems.
Although not everyone is suitable for laser eye surgery, the increasing number of treatments being developed means that more conditions are becoming treatable all the time. Those interested in correcting their vision with laser technology are encouraged to arrange a free consultation with a provider in their local area, to determine whether laser eye surgery is the right choice for them.
