Lasers are used in a multitude of medical fields and specialties. However, they have been an integral part of the treatment and diagnostic capabilities in ophthalmology. Lasers can be classified into distinct categories in ophthalmology based on their mechanism of action, including thermal interaction, photodisruption, photochemical interaction, photoablation, and plasma-induced ablation.

Ophthalmology was the first medical specialty to utilize laserswith the first report utilizing a ruby laser to treat ocular lesions almost a year after the invention of the laser, and still has the most laser procedures compared to any other specialty with the use of lasers permeating all subspecialties both diagnostically and therapeutically

The transparency of the optical media allows laser light to be focused upon the intraocular structures without the need for endoscopy. Lasers are now used in many other areas of ophthalmic practice, including refractive surgery, cosmetic eyelid surgery, and diagnostic imaging of ocular structures.

LaserS are utilized in procedures for refractive error correction like LASIK, epi-LASIK, PRK, and T-PRK.

Post-cataract surgery for removal of capsular opacification using  Nd-YAG posterior capsulotomy.

PATHOGENESIS: The aim of laser treatment in these cases is to eliminate hypoxia retina so as to eliminate the stimulus for neovascularization, This is called pan retinal photocoagulation.