ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with basic laser principles and their applications in the eye clinic. It gives an overview and understanding of laser physics, delivery, safety, and pathophysiology for safe laser treatment. Laser light differs from ordinary light, with special properties, making it clinically useful. Molecules are made up of atoms, with a central positively charged nucleus (protons and neutrons), orbited by negatively charged electrons. Wavelength output of lasers depends on the lasing material, its refractive index (RI), length, and optical features of the resonator cavity (that alter laser oscillations), wavelength of laser pump, and substances or crystals added, to alter properties of the lasing material. The slit lamp is a high-powered, compound microscope with a long focal length, flexible slit-shaped illumination, and variable magnification, to provide a binocular, stereoscopic, and dynamic view of the eye.
