LASERS IN THE NEW MlLLENIUM FOR DlA6NOSlS AND TREATMEHT OF OPHTHALMIC DISORDERS

Abstract

When first introduced of laser for medical uses in 1962, lasers were not widely accepted, but in the last few years they have come into worldwide use in all aspects of ophthalmology both diagnosis and treatment (Swanson En, 1993).

Lasers play a significant role in the treatment of all of the four leading causes of blindness in the developed nations: diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma. (Apple D.!, Whyinny eta! 1994)

The different mechanisms by which lasers interact with ocular tissues include photocoagulation, photodisruption, and photochemical effects. Laser photocoagulation, is a thermal action created through laser absorption by pigment, and was the original use of lasers. It continues to be the major application for