Ophthalmology

Laser energy sources, including the Nd:YAG and CO₂ lasers, are playing an increasingly important role in ophthalmic surgery. The Nd:YAG, which can be used to power a quartz-laser scalpel, is particularly useful because of its high penetration of optical tissue and its hemostatic properties. Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), is one of the most common laser surgical techniques. LASIK is used to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Its advantages include less pain and discomfort and decreased rehabilitation time. Its drawbacks, however rare, include infection of the stroma after surgery.

Otolaryngology

Lasers have enhanced the precision and the ability to photocoagulate tissue in airway surgery, particularly in the pediatric population. Due to the increased risk of scarring by other types of lasers, the carbon dioxide laser is used most frequently for this type of procedure.

Plastic surgery

Lasers play an important role in skin rejuvenation. A recently developed combination of the Er:YAG and CO₂ lasers has diminished some of the clinical differences between the results of skin resurfacing using these 2 lasers (such as effects on patients with different skin laxities, and differences in recovery periods). This new technique is still being investigated, but seems to have a promising future.

A recent development to skin rejuvenation and resurfacing is the fractionated laser modality. In this system, only a fraction of the treated skin surface is actually affected. The laser "hits" are evenly distributed throughout the treated surface, whereby each laser hit is surrounding by a microscopic zone of "un-lasered," unaffected tissue. The theory behind this modality is that it would allow a quicker healing of the treated surface and promote shorter downtime for patients.