Excimer lasers: emerging applications in opthalmology

Lasers are being extensively used in different spheres of medical treatment-cardiology, gastroentrology, opthalmology, dermatology, oncology etc. In all these fields lasers have either replaced the methods hitherto practised or used as an effective back-up to the existing methods. The introduction of lasers in opthalmology has had a major impact on several of the most important disorders encountered by opthalmologists. The use of lasers in the treatment of glaucoma and in the performance of posterior capsulotomics represents a revolutionary advance in the management of these conditions. Large scale clinical trials have documented the beneficial role of laser photocoagulation in the treatment of diabetic related retinal diseases and the age related macular degenerations. Lasers, especially excimers, show great promise for patients suffering from loss of vision due to diabetic retinopathy. This paper highlights the laser tissue interactions and emphasises the role of excimers in opthalmology.