Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (Laser)

Lasers, or Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, are devices that generate powerful, focused beams of light with a high frequency.
In the medical field, their narrow beams and precise focus make them extremely useful for various procedures.
Lasers can be utilised in different types of surgery, including eye surgery to correct vision, cancer treatment to remove tumours, and cosmetic surgery like skin resurfacing.
One of the key advantages of using lasers is that they can cut, burn or melt through tissue with extreme precision, minimising damage to surrounding areas.
Moreover, due to the laser’s ability to coagulate blood as it cuts, it reduces bleeding during surgical procedures, which can lead to quicker patient recovery times.
Another important medical use of the laser is in photodynamic therapy. With this therapy, patients are administered a drug that makes cells more sensitive to light. When these sensitised cells are exposed to a specific wavelength of laser light, they die off, proving beneficial in cancer treatment.
Lasers also play a crucial role in diagnostic procedures. For instance, in ophthalmology, they are used for retinal scanning to diagnose and monitor diseases such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
It’s essential to remember that while lasers can offer great benefits in medical physics applications, safety should be of utmost importance. They can cause serious burns if not used properly.
Additionally, understanding the different types of lasers (such as solid-state, gas, dye, and semiconductor lasers) and their different wavelengths can provide greater perspective in their specific uses within health and social care.