The Nd-YAG Laser in Ophthalmology: Principles and Clinical Applications of Photodisruption

Ophthalmic patients today are increasingly asking their ophthalmologists "Do you do that new laser surgery?" or "Do you know about that new laser surgery?" Most ophthalmologists are nowdoinglaser surgery, but few know very much about it. This monograph, by Drs Steinert and Puliafito of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, is an excellent introduction for the practitioner who wishes to understand the mechanism of action of neodymiumYAG laser therapy. As the name implies, this book is divided into two sections: principles and applications. The section about principles may be somewhat difficult for the practitioner but is well worth the effort. Chapter 1 deals with historic considerations and traces the development of photocoagulation from Meyer-Schwickerath to Fankhauser and Aron-Rosa. Chapters 2 through 4 provide an introduction to laser physics, including an excellent "... an excellent introduction for the practitioner who wishes to understand the mechanism of action of neodymium-YAG