3. Medical Diagnostic Applications of Laser Technology

OCT is one of the most widely used laser-based diagnostic tools, especially in ophthalmology. It utilizes low-coherence near-infrared light to produce high-resolution, cross-sectional images of tissue microstructures. The technique is based on interferometry, where backscattered light from different tissue depths is compared to a reference beam, generating detailed images similar in structure to ultrasound, but using light instead of sound. OCT can visualize layers of the retina, detect macular degeneration, and track glaucoma progression with micrometer precision.

Beyond ophthalmology, OCT is increasingly applied in cardiology (e.g., imaging coronary plaques), dermatology (skin cancer screening), and dentistry (to evaluate enamel or detect caries) (Albrecht et al., 2013). Its non-contact, high-speed imaging makes it a preferred tool for delicate or sensitive anatomical regions.