Laser therapy

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Laser therapy

Laser therapy is any treatment using intense beams of light to precisely cut, burn, or destroy tissue. The term laser is an acronym for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation."

The laser light beam is generated from radiation sources so small and safe that it poses no health risks to the patient or medical team.

The laser is used for many medical purposes. Because the laser beam is so small and precise, it enables doctors to safely treat tissue without injuring the surrounding area. Some uses of the laser are retinal (eye) surgery, removal of growths, and cauterization of blood vessels. See also laser surgery.

Review Date: 08/11/2005
Reviewed By: Joseph P. Hart, M.D., Marco Polo Traveling Fellow c/o Department of Vascular Surgery, A. Z. St. Blasius Hospital (Belgium). Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.