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e-Journal

A Beam of Light (p. 508)


Step 1. Questions

Lasers are tiny beams of light. They have many different uses. Doctors even use lasers in surgery!

Write a report about how doctors use laser technology. To do this, you will research how lasers work and why they are useful in medicine. Here are some questions to guide your research:
  • How do lasers work?
  • Why do doctors use lasers?
  • What are some different ways lasers are used in medicine?
  • Why are lasers sometimes better than other surgical instruments?
  • What are some advantages and disadvantages of laser surgery?
Are you ready? Begin by visiting the Web sites in Step 2. Look for answers to the questions above, and write down what you learn in the boxes.

With teacher supervision, you may use search engines to research other Web sites. You also can research lasers in medicine at the library. When you are ready, follow Steps 3 and 4 to write your report.


Step 2. Research

Research answers to the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!


Toolbox Tip: Click here to learn how to move from one Web page to another.


Eye Surgery with Lasers
Did you know that lasers can be used to improve eyesight? Read about cataract (which is when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy) surgery. When you get to "Laser Treatment," click SEE ANIMATION and then LASER FOR THICK CAPSULE to see how a laser is used to improve vision. This Web site comes from Good Hope Hospital in the United Kingdom.
Take Notes:



Laser Surgery
Check out this site about laser surgery. There is a lot of text here, so just focus on sections that are most helpful. For example, be sure to read "Advantages of laser surgery" and "Disadvantages of laser surgery." This Web site comes from healthatoz.com.
Take Notes:



Lasers in Medicine
This colorful Web site describes the different ways in which lasers are used in medicine. Some of it is a bit difficult to understand, so just focus on the main ideas. Write down important information that you can use in your report.
Take Notes:



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