Laser-tissue interactions in ophthalmology: understanding clinical laser selections and applications
Ryan Lamrani
Eastern Virginia Medical School, USA
: Res J Opt Photonics
Abstract
Ophthalmologists have been using light to treat ocular diseases since 1949 when clinician-scientist G. Meyer-Schwickerath first experimented with focusing natural sunlight through a telescope and a series of mirrors into eyes to treat retinal diseases. Light therapy has subsequently evolved with the introduction of laser generated coherent light options for the therapeutics of many ocular conditions including refractive surgery and treatments for retinopathies, cataract and glaucoma. Understanding lasers and their interactions with biological tissue is critical to best enable the selection of which laser, laser parameters and technique(s) specific to the treatment’s goals. The goal of this presentation is to describe current ophthalmic lasers and how they differ in their mechanisms of action, interactions and outcomes. This review also addresses laser historical development, optical properties, diagnostic advantages, clinical applications, post-operative results, and complications which are associated with the various lasers. This review was compiled from PubMed article searches using the following search terms: lasers AND glaucoma, lasers AND ophthalmology, glaucoma AND photothermal, glaucoma AND photodissociative, glaucoma AND photodisruptive. Criteria for inclusion included relevance, clinical and scientific importance. Articles cited in the reference lists of other articles were reviewed and included when considered appropriate. All articles with English abstracts were reviewed, and foreign language articles were included when an English abstract was available and contained sufficient information for inclusion. A select number of articles before 1990 have been included for historical purposes. Overall, this historical review demonstrates the evolution of our understanding of lasers which has stimulated the development of laser technologies enabling new surgical procedures with improved safety and efficacy.
Biography
Ryan Lamrani, B.S, is a medical student at Eastern Virginia Medical School who is passionate about ophthalmology and research and especially interested in the use of lasers to treat ophthalmic conditions. Before studying medicine in Virginia, he completed his Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Public Health and Chemistry from New York University and then spent 2 years working at the Glaucoma Institute of Beverly Hills as an ophthalmic technician, scribe, and research assistant.
