Lasers in ophthalmology.

An increased understanding of laser-tissue interactions in ophthalmology has led to the use of lasers in treating a wide spectrum of diseases involving both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. These diseases include the four commonest causes of blindness in the United States: diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataract. As knowledge of the operating characteristics and treatment limitations of lasers increases, the use of lasers in the treatment of other ophthalmologic problems will be broadened.