Ophthalmic lasers Flashcards
What does the acronym LASER stand for?
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
Name two modes of laser operation.
Continuous wave lasers and pulsed wave lasers
What property of laser light ensures it emits only one wavelength?
Monochromatic
Which type of laser uses semiconductor technology to produce light in the visible to infrared range?
Diode laser
What is the principle called when photon emission is stimulated by the interaction of an atom in an excited state with a passing photon?
Stimulated Emission
Name the three primary laser-tissue interactions.
Photothermal effect, Photodisruption effect, and Photochemical effect
What is the function of an endolaser probe?
It is introduced into the vitreous cavity to apply laser light directly to the retina.
Which laser is used for refractive errors by vaporizing the top layer of the cornea?
Excimer laser
What clinical application uses laser light to treat diabetic retinopathy and vitreous hemorrhage?
Endophotocoagulation
What does photothermal laser-tissue interaction involve?
Absorption of the laser beam by the target tissue resulting in a rise in temperature causing protein denaturation.
What is the purpose of laser safety goggles in a laser room
To protect the eyes of attending relatives, assisting staff, or trainees present during the laser operation.
What type of laser interaction causes intracellular and extracellular water to vaporize?
Photovapourisation
What is the difference between LASIK and LASEK procedures?
L ASIK involves creating and replacing a corneal flap, while LASEK loosens, moves, and reattaches the top layer of the cornea.
How does photodisruption affect ocular tissue?
It produces a chemical breakdown of material creating plasma, leading to the collapse of the plasma and destruction of the tissue by an acoustic shock wave.
What does photochemical interaction in laser therapy involve?
Generation of cytotoxic free radicals through the interaction of a photosensitizing agent and laser light.
