Laser Ophthalmology

Abstract

Lasers have been employed in ophthalmology since their inception over four decades ago. In this chapter we will investigate many of these exciting applications. The chapter begins with a brief review of the characteristics of the human eye including eye anatomy and movements, visual refractive errors, and fixation capability. We will then briefly review laser interaction with eye tissue followed by a detailed look at therapeutic and diagnostic applications of lasers in ophthalmology. The chapter concludes with new laser technologies now on the horizon. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HUMAN EYEIn this section we will investigate the anatomy and characteristics of the human eye pertinent to laser applications. We will begin with a review of the gross anatomy of the eye followed by a detailed look at both the cornea and the retina. We will then discuss eye movements and fixation capability followed by characteristics of the aging eye. Gross Anatomical StructureEyes are the complex sense organs of the visual system. The adult eye is somewhat like a fluid filled globe approximating a spherical shape measuring 24 mm long by 22 mm across [1], as shown in Figure 1