Laser light has long been used as a therapeutic treatment for various diseases, such as hair loss, kidney stones, visual disturbances, back pain, to cancer. This medical therapy uses a strong beam of light to cut, burn, or destroy abnormal tissue in the body.
Laser light has a certain wavelength that is different from other rays. This one ray focuses on a certain point and emits light with a very high intensity. In medicine, laser light allows doctors to perform surgery more safely. This surgical technique uses laser light to focus on a small area of the body without damaging the surrounding tissue.
Type-JTypes of Laser Light
There are many types of laser beams used in medical treatment. Different types of lasers, different conditions are treated. Here are some examples:
- Carbon dioxide laserThis laser beam is used to make less deep incisions, such as in the removal of skin cancer.
- argon laserThis type of laser combines light with chemotherapy to kill more cancer cells. Argon lasers can also be used for surgical procedures.
- Nd:YAG laser (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet)This type of laser is capable of reaching deeper layers of body tissue. This type of laser can be used to treat vascular disorders such as varicose veins and hemangiomas.
- Low-level laser therapy (Low Level Laser Therapy or LLLT)This therapy is also known as cold laser therapy. This technique is used in minor surgery and also to increase the ability of body tissue repair (regeneration).
Laser Light to Treat Disease
The following are some of the uses of laser light as a treatment method:
- Assist with surgical procedures, such as removal of tumors and kidney stones, prostate surgery and breast surgery.
- Improve vision, as in LASIK procedures, repair detached retinas, and cataract removal.
- Assist in dental and oral medical procedures, such as root canal (endodontic) treatment, periodontic surgery, teeth whitening, and oral surgery.
- Assist with cosmetic surgery procedures, such as for plastic surgery, removing scars, tattoos, black spots, stretch marks, wrinkles, birthmarks, or varicose veins.
- Removing hair or hair on certain body parts.
- Treat back pain.
- Treat cancer, such as cervical cancer, penile cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, skin cancer and lung cancer at an early stage.
- Assist with cosmetic surgery procedures, such as for plastic surgery, removing scars, tattoos, black spots, stretch mark, wrinkles, birthmarks, varicose veins, and mole surgery.
Risks of Laser Light Treatment
If done correctly, treatment using laser light can reduce the risk of wound infection and discomfort after surgery. In addition, the recovery time using this therapy tends to be faster than ordinary surgery.
However, as with all medical procedures, laser light surgery also has risks. Some of these risks include pain, infection, bleeding, scarring, and skin discoloration. In addition, laser therapy tends to be more expensive and must be done repeatedly.
Before deciding to use laser light therapy for the treatment of certain diseases and medical procedures, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor first. Because, not everyone is allowed to undergo this treatment. For example, a person under the age of 18 is not recommended to undergo laser LASIK eye surgery.
