The Wonders of Medical Laser
2021.09.07The Wonders of Medical Laser
A medical laser is probably one of the most versatile pieces of equipment that medical professionals use today. With the advancement of modern technology at its most rapid peak, it is no surprise that the development of newer medical lasers, with more vast and more distinct functions, is also on the rise.In 2018, the market size of the cosmetic market for lasers reached almost two million dollars and is predicted to reach more than five million dollars by 2026. The availability of more medical lasers in the field of medicine is beneficial to both medical practitioners and patients alike.
People may opt for medical laser treatments simply because they could be non-invasive in nature, and understandably, also save doctors a great amount of time and energy instead of putting patients under the knife.
But what is medical laser treatment? Unbeknownst to many, the word “laser” is actually an acronym that stands for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation”.
Regular light typically scatters around an area and illuminates extensively. Laser light, however, is made up of a single wavelength of light that travels in a focused narrow beam allowing it to deliver high amounts of energy exactly where it is required.
The Versatility of Medical Laser
The first use of a medical laser treatment dates back to 1961, where Dr. Charles J. Campbell alongside Dr. Charles Koester used a ruby laser to destroy a retinal tumor with a single pulse. This procedure barely lasted a second and was by contrast more comfortable than prior treatments used.Today, almost half a century later, medical laser treatments have come a long way and have only gotten better and more convenient throughout the number of years. The popularity of medical laser treatments spans globally and with medical tourism on the rise, it is not entirely surprising why the demand for medical laser treatments has grown so much over the 21st century. Medical practitioners now use medical lasers for multifaceted purposes ranging from cosmetics to ophthalmology.
Medical Laser in Ophthalmology
It is astounding to see how much distance medical laser treatments have covered in the field of medicine. With the first medical laser treatment belonging in this category, experts have come far in terms of refining this technology. Lasers are one of the most essential tools for modern ophthalmologists.
Typically, people may choose to have medical laser treatments for their eyes because they can have long-lasting effects and drop the need for any assistance from eyeglasses or contact lenses. This can be life-changing to many people who have struggled with poor vision since early childhood.
Types of medical laser eye treatments can range from LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) to cataract laser surgery.
LASIK is a form of eye laser treatment that corrects common eye problems like astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia. This is done by using a medical laser to reshape the cornea and improve overall vision.
Cataracts are also another type of eye problem medical lasers can resolve. Cataracts are normally experienced by people in their golden years. People with cataracts have somewhat of a cloudy area covering the lens of their eyes resulting in poor vision. They may develop slowly over time but they can cause blindness when left untreated. With the use of a medical laser, doctors open the lens of the eyes to treat them without the use of any blade.
Medical Laser in Dentistry
For plenty of people, going to the dentist can be a little bit frightening. The sound and sensation of drills and other dental devices might feel a little bit unsettling. But with the usage of medical lasers being introduced to the dental industry, patients can now have a more pleasant and comfortable experience. Not only that, but lasers are also more cost-effective and convenient.There are two main categories for procedures in laser dentistry; soft tissue laser procedures treat the gums while hard tissue laser procedures treat the teeth. Preparing the tooth for dental fillings might feel distressing with the usage of traditional drills but when dental lasers are utilized, it can eliminate bacteria and prepare the tooth noninvasively. Medical lasers can also be used to reshape the gums without the need for any blade. It can also reshape bones for a healthier structure and growth of the teeth.
Medical Laser is Cosmetics
Probably one of the most popular utilizations of medical lasers in the field of medicine is the branch of aesthetic medicine. It is widely prevalent across the globe and is one of the reasons for the international popularity of medical tourism. There are countless usages for medical lasers in cosmetics for the human body which calls for high demands of production for newer medical lasers designed for different specialized procedures. Some medical lasers are made to specifically target different areas in the body where experts think there is a high insistence from the public.
Laser hair removal is probably one of the most commonly requested procedures in the market and is the number one sought-after medical laser procedure in America. It is done by permanently eliminating the hair follicles underneath our skin ensuring the absence of hair growth in the target area after the entire series of procedures. Another usually performed procedure is the removal of wrinkles or any type of facial skin improvement. By using medical laser resurfacing, wrinkles and common skin irregularities like scars or blemishes can be removed. Other medical laser procedures are done simply to improve the well-being of the skin on your face. Numerous skin rejuvenating laser treatments are now available in the market. Its benefits range from collagen regeneration to elastin production which results in softer and firmer skin around the face.
In retrospect, the success of medical laser treatments can be highly attributed to two things: the necessity of patients and doctors alike, and the advancement of science and technology. One certain thing is the fact that the wonders of medical laser procedures have been nothing but greatly beneficial to humankind and it is astounding to think about the possibilities of its further advancement in the years to come.