Photomedical

Photomedical refers to the use of light in medical diagnosis and treatment. This broad field encompasses various techniques that utilize electromagnetic radiation across different wavelengths to address a range of health conditions. In diagnostics, light-based methods such as endoscopy, which uses fiber optics to visualize internal body cavities, or infrared thermography, which detects heat patterns, are employed. These technologies allow for non-invasive or minimally invasive examination of internal structures and physiological processes.

Therapeutically, photomedicine involves using light to achieve specific medical outcomes. Phototherapy, for instance, is used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, as well as neonatal jaundice. Laser therapy, a more focused application of light, is utilized in surgery for precise tissue cutting and ablation, in ophthalmology for vision correction, and in dermatology for removing unwanted blemishes or hair. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) combines a photosensitizing drug with specific wavelengths of light to destroy abnormal cells, often used in cancer treatment. The development of photomedical technologies continues to advance, offering new possibilities for improved patient care and treatment efficacy.