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What is a Laser?
Description of Laser
The term "laser" stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. There are many different types of lasers and each uses a different type of laser medium. Common laser media include gases such as argon or a helium and neon mixture, solid crystals such as ruby, and liquid dyes or chemicals. When energy is applied to the laser medium, it becomes excited and releases energy as particles of light (photons).
One basic type of laser consists of a sealed tube, containing a pair of mirrors, and a laser medium that is excited by some form of energy to produce visible light, or invisible ultraviolet or infrared radiation. A pair of mirrors at either end of the sealed tube either reflects or transmits the light in the form of a concentrated stream called a laser beam. Each laser medium produces a beam of a unique wavelength and color.
Ordinary light, such as that from a light bulb, has many wavelengths and spreads in all directions. Laser light, on the other hand, has a specific wavelength. It is focused in a narrow beam and creates a very high-intensity light. Because lasers can focus very accurately on tiny areas, they can be used for very precise surgical work or for cutting through tissue (in place of a scalpel).
What Are Lasers Used For?
Lasers are used for a variety of purposes including:
- Pointing out objects during a presentation.
- Aligning materials at construction sites and in the home.
- By doctors for cosmetic and surgical procedures.
Many items you encounter on a daily basis use lasers, including:
- CD and DVD players.
- Bar code scanners.
- Dental drills.
- Laser-guided tools, such as levels.
- Laser pointers.
Medical Procedures
Lasers are used in many types of surgical procedures. Some examples include:
- Removal of tattoos, removal of acne scars and other blemishes, removal of port wine stains, removal of dark spots, removal of stretch marks, removal of sunspots, treatment of wrinkles, removal of birthmarks, removal of spider veins, removal of hair and treat or remove tissues.
- Refractive eye surgery - to reshape the cornea in order to correct or improve vision as in LASIK or PRK.
- Dental procedures such as endodontic/periodontic procedures, tooth whitening, and oral surgery.
- General surgery such as tumor removal, cataract removal, breast surgery, plastic surgery and most other surgical procedures.
Risks & Benefits
With proper use, lasers allow the surgeon to accomplish more complex tasks, reduce blood loss, decrease postoperative discomfort, reduce the chance of wound infection, and achieve better wound healing.
As with any type of surgery, laser surgery has potential risks. Risks of laser surgery include incomplete treatment of the problem, pain, infection, bleeding, scarring, and skin color changes.
Laser surgery uses non-ionizing radiation, so it does not have the same long-term risks as x-rays or other types of ionizing radiation.
For risk information on the specific laser treatment that you are considering, ask your physician or operator for the patient labeling for the laser device.
References:
United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - January 2006 - February 2008 - www.fda.gov
This summary is a general overview about the topic discussed and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Full Disclaimer & General Safety Advisory