Laser therapy is a medical treatment that utilizes laser light to interact with tissue, commonly used to treat different ailments and conditions. As technology has advanced, laser treatments are being used more and more differently.
In this blog post, we will explore the many ways laser therapy is being used today to improve our health and well-being.
Treat glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disorder caused by increased pressure in the eye, which causes damage to the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss. Digital SLT-YAG system can improve drain flow out of the eye, reducing intraocular pressure and protecting against further vision loss. This procedure is excellent in treating glaucoma as it uses laser energy to create small openings in the trabecular meshwork, allowing fluid to move out of the eye more easily.
Relieve cancer symptoms
Radiation therapy has traditionally been the most common form of cancer treatment, but laser therapy is now also used for certain cancers, particularly prostate cancer. Prostate cancers are often treated with cold lasers that target specific areas of tumors while leaving healthy surrounding cells undamaged. This form of treatment causes fewer side effects than traditional radiation therapies and allows patients to return home immediately after their session without any additional recovery time needed.
Remove kidney stones
Kidney stones are hard crystals made up of minerals that form in the kidneys and can cause extreme pain when they pass through the urinary tract. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy uses high-energy sound waves from an ultrasound or X-ray machine, combined with a powerful laser source, to break up kidney stones into smaller pieces so they can be passed painlessly through urine. This procedure is noninvasive and typically requires no recovery time afterward.
Repair detached retina with laser therapy
A detached retina occurs when the thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eye comes loose from its normal position. This can cause permanent vision loss if not treated immediately. Laser therapy can reattach the retina to the back wall of the eye. During the procedure, a doctor will use a specialized laser device to create tiny burns around the edges of your retina. This secures the retina while also stimulating new blood vessels and scar tissue to form, further securing it.
Improve vision with laser therapy
Laser therapy is also used for improving vision by correcting common vision issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This is done through a procedure called laser-assisted in situ keratomileuses (LASIK) which reshapes the cornea using a specialized laser device. The reshaped cornea will then enable light rays entering the eye to focus more accurately on the back wall of the eye instead of being scattered or deflected elsewhere, resulting in improved vision.
Final thoughts
The list above only scratches the surface regarding how laser therapy is used in medicine today. Whether it’s improving vision or treating cancer symptoms, there are countless ways laser technology is being utilized in healthcare. Contact a healthcare provider for information if you’re interested in learning more about this innovative
