doc
Spring 2014 • Kentucky
light sources by its coherence, that is, its
waves are in phase and are of one wave
length. The laser’s spatial coherence means
it can be focused closely, allowing extraordinary precision of cuts made with it. (It’s also
the reason laser pointers work.) The temporal (time-based or sequential) coherence of
lasers allows lasers to emit only one color of
light and to emit pulses of light of incredible
brevity.
Invented about 1960, lasers have made
their way into many applications. In 1980, a
researcher at IBM Research laboratory discovered that the excimer, a form of ultraviolet laser, could be used safely and with precision on living tissue. In 1989 a Greek doctor
invented LASIK, another acronym standing
for “Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis
(the surgical reshaping of the cornea performed in order to correct refractive errors
such as myopia or astigmatism). By the mid1990s lasik had supplanted earlier surgical
methods of correcting refractive errors. Dr.
Ferguson says that his previous experience
with femtosecond laser lasik has aided him
in making the transition from older methods
of cataract removal. He also acknowledges
that “close collaboration with other surgeons
is invaluable.”
Although these very fast lasers have added
extraordinary precision to cataract surgery,
concern about using lasers so close to retinas
lingers. Dr. Ferguson points out that, “Laser
injuries occur because someone is shining
a laser at an eye, the individual looks at it,
and his or her own cornea and lens focus it
directly upon…the retina….Therapeutic
lasers are focused on the target tissues (in
this case the…lens/cataract) which absorbs
the light….The FDA and numerous investigators studying 1000s of eyes have shown
no ill effect of the femtosecond laser on the
retina.”
Commonwealth eyes is located at 2353
Alexandria Drive, Lexington, KY. For more
information on Dr. Ferguson and his work
with Catalys laser-assisted cataract surgery,
call 888-751-0569 or visit their website at
http://commonwealtheyes.com
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