Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 3 complete abstracts (539 words), 9 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
An optical source that emits photons in a coherent beam. Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (laser) is brought about using devices that transform light of varying frequencies into a single intense, nearly nondivergent beam of monochromatic radiation. Lasers operate in the infrared, visible, ultraviolet, or X-ray regions of the spectrum.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Laser; Pulsed Lasers; Laser, Pulsed; Lasers, Pulsed; Pulsed Laser; Continuous Wave Lasers; Continuous Wave Laser; Laser, Continuous Wave.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Optical Devices; Radiation Equipment and Supplies
- Narrower topics
- Lasers, Dye; Lasers, Excimer; Lasers, Gas; Lasers, Semiconductor; Lasers, Solid-State
- See also
- Holography; Optical Tweezers
Related concepts
- Laser
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 65,450 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Lasers” (counts retrieved 2026-11-04). 13,886 of them (21.2%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is 2010-2019 with 22,407 records.
Reviews account for 4,201 records (6.4%) and meta-analyses for 470. Randomized controlled trials number 3,034 (4.6%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 14,477 |
| 2000-2009 | 14,680 |
| 2010-2019 | 22,407 |
| 2020 onward | 13,886 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 4,201 | 6.4% |
| Meta-analyses | 470 | 0.7% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 3,034 | 4.6% |
Method: PubMed query "Lasers"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-11-04.
Reading the evidence in diagnostics and medical technology
A test or device is judged by how well it detects a condition, how often it gives false alarms or misses cases, and whether using it improves outcomes for people. Accuracy depends on who is tested and how common the condition is, so a test that performs well in a specialist hospital can perform differently in the community. Check the reference standard, the population studied, the sensitivity and specificity and whether results were confirmed in a separate group.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparative analysis of laser and ultrasonic irrigation techniques for smear layer removal in endodontics | 2025 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 3 | cc by PMID 41389357 · DOI · PMC12701868 |
| Refractive outcome and visual quality of Ray-Tracing Guided LASIK: a prospective study | 2025 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 3 | cc by PMID 41366754 · DOI · PMC12690953 |
| Multispectral Laser-Scanning Photoacoustic Microscopy With SRS-Generated Wavelengths for Skin Chromophore Characterization | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 2 | cc by PMID 41577380 · DOI · PMC12830072 |
Comparative analysis of laser and ultrasonic irrigation techniques for smear layer removal in endodontics [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- ObjectiveThis in vitro study compared the efficacy of Er, Cr: YSGG laser (2780 nm), diode laser (976 nm), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and conventional syringe-needle (CSN) irrigation in smear layer removal, evaluating irrigant chemistry and root canal level.
- Closing excerpt
- Diode laser activation also surpassed PUI.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (173 words)
ObjectiveThis in vitro study compared the efficacy of Er, Cr: YSGG laser (2780 nm), diode laser (976 nm), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and conventional syringe-needle (CSN) irrigation in smear layer removal, evaluating irrigant chemistry and root canal level.Methods160 single-rooted premolars were instrumented and divided into four irrigation groups (n = 40/group): Er, Cr: YSGG (25 mJ, 50 Hz, radial-firing tip), diode laser (Pulsed 50%, 1.5 W), PUI, and CSN (side-vented needle). Groups were subdivided by irrigant (NaOCl + EDTA, EDTA, NaOCl, saline; n = 10/subgroup). Activation involved four 15-second cycles. Smear layer was scored (1-5) via SEM by blinded evaluators. Data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (p ≤ 0.05).ResultsEr, Cr: YSGG achieved the lowest scores (best cleaning) across all thirds, outperforming diode laser, PUI, and CSN. NaOCl + EDTA was the most effective irrigant (p ConclusionEr, Cr: YSGG laser activation with NaOCl + EDTA is the most effective protocol for smear layer removal. The powerful mechanical effects of Er, Cr: YSGG dominated when using saline. Diode laser activation also surpassed PUI.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41389357 · DOI · PMC12701868
Refractive outcome and visual quality of Ray-Tracing Guided LASIK: a prospective study [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Ray-Tracing Guided LASIK surgery and to compare the refractive outcomes and visual quality between patients with spherical equivalent (SEQ) differences of ≤ 0.
- Closing excerpt
- 75, surgical design parameters adjustment can achieve ideal postoperative results.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (260 words)
PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Ray-Tracing Guided LASIK surgery and to compare the refractive outcomes and visual quality between patients with spherical equivalent (SEQ) differences of ≤ 0.75D and > 0.75D, as measured by the InnovEyes sightmap and subjective refraction.DesignProspective, observational cohort study.SubjectsForty-six patients (89 eyes) undergoing Ray-Tracing Guided LASIK with preoperative SEQ differences between sightmap and subjective refraction of either ≤ 0.75D or > 0.75D.MethodsPatients underwent preoperative examinations using InnovEyes sightmap diagnostic equipment to detect and measure biological parameters. A ray tracing-based algorithm was used to determine ablation contours, with direct application of ablation data for SEQ differences ≤ 0.75D and parameter adjustment for differences > 0.75D. Outcomes included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), and total higher-order aberration (HOAs), measured preoperatively and six months postoperatively.ResultsSix months post-surgery, 100% of eyes in both groups achieved a postoperative UDVA of at least 20/25, with 76% of the ≤ 0.75D group and 81% of > 0.75D reaching 20/16. Additionally, 33% and 16% reached 20/12.5 in these groups, respectively. Postoperative CDVA was CDVA was equal to or better than preoperative levels in 98% of the ≤ 0.75D group and 95% of the > 0.75D group (P 0.05).ConclusionRay-Tracing Guided-LASIK surgery is safe and effective. Compared with the preoperative BCVA, it can achieve better postoperative UDVA and effectively avoid the introduction of HOAs. In addition, for cases in which the MRSE difference between the two preoperative examination methods is ≥ 0.75, surgical design parameters adjustment can achieve ideal postoperative results.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41366754 · DOI · PMC12690953
Multispectral Laser-Scanning Photoacoustic Microscopy With SRS-Generated Wavelengths for Skin Chromophore Characterization [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- We present a single pump-source, multispectral laser-scanning photoacoustic microscopy (MS-LS-PAM) platform that integrates stimulated Raman scattering (SRS)-based wavelength generation for high-resolution, label-free skin imaging.
- Closing excerpt
- In vivo experiments on B6 (pigmented) and SKH1 hairless (melanin deficient) mice demonstrated accurate chromophore separation, spatially resolved oxygen saturation (sO2) mapping, and clear visualization of collagen and melanin architectures.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (106 words)
We present a single pump-source, multispectral laser-scanning photoacoustic microscopy (MS-LS-PAM) platform that integrates stimulated Raman scattering (SRS)-based wavelength generation for high-resolution, label-free skin imaging. The system uses a compact, fiber-based light source to produce tunable excitation wavelengths from 532 to 571 nm, enabling precise spectral discrimination of key endogenous chromophores, oxyhemoglobin (HbO2), deoxyhemoglobin (Hb), melanin, and collagen, without external contrast agents. Spectral unmixing is performed using non-negative least squares (NNLS), facilitating quantitative analysis of chromophore distributions. In vivo experiments on B6 (pigmented) and SKH1 hairless (melanin deficient) mice demonstrated accurate chromophore separation, spatially resolved oxygen saturation (sO2) mapping, and clear visualization of collagen and melanin architectures.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41577380 · DOI · PMC12830072
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article IntraLase femtosecond laser vs mechanical microkeratomes in LASIK for myopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis [4]
- Research article CO2-Laser therapy and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis [5]
- Research article The effectiveness of low-level diode laser therapy on orthodontic pain management: a systematic review and meta-analysis [6]
- Research article Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of various laser wavelengths in the treatment of peri-implantitis [7]
- Research article Thulium Fiber Laser Versus Holmium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet for Lithotripsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis [8]
- Research article A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Efficacy and Safety Following Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate and Transurethral Resection of Prostate for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia [9]
Full-text reviews on EvidenceLib
Open-access review articles about this topic, reproduced in full with authors, licence and references.
Optical Methods for Non-Invasive Determination of Skin Penetration: Current Trends, Advances, Possibilities, Prospects, and Translation into In Vivo Human Studies
Maxim E. Darvin · Pharmaceutics 2023 · CC BY 4.0
References
- Abaza MM, Harhash TAH, Zaky AA. Comparative analysis of laser and ultrasonic irrigation techniques for smear layer removal in endodontics. . 2025. PMID 41389357 · DOI · PMC12701868
- Wang Y, Zhang Y, Pan J, Wang J, Fang X. Refractive outcome and visual quality of Ray-Tracing Guided LASIK: a prospective study. . 2025. PMID 41366754 · DOI · PMC12690953
- Khansari A, Ranjbaran SM, Zafar M, Nia NG, Khodavirdi H, Tsoukas M, et al.. Multispectral Laser-Scanning Photoacoustic Microscopy With SRS-Generated Wavelengths for Skin Chromophore Characterization. . 2026. PMID 41577380 · DOI · PMC12830072
- Chen S, Feng Y, Stojanovic A, Jankov MR, Wang Q. IntraLase femtosecond laser vs mechanical microkeratomes in LASIK for myopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Refract Surg. 2012. PMID 22233436 · DOI
- Filippini M, Porcari I, Ruffolo AF, Casiraghi A, Farinelli M, Uccella S, et al.. CO2-Laser therapy and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Sex Med. 2022. PMID 35101378 · DOI
- Ren C, McGrath C, Yang Y. The effectiveness of low-level diode laser therapy on orthodontic pain management: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lasers Med Sci. 2015. PMID 25800534 · DOI · PMC4562996
- Kotsakis GA, Konstantinidis I, Karoussis IK, Ma X, Chu H. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of various laser wavelengths in the treatment of peri-implantitis. J Periodontol. 2014. PMID 24444398 · DOI
- Uleri A, Farré A, Izquierdo P, Angerri O, Kanashiro A, Balaña J, et al.. Thulium Fiber Laser Versus Holmium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet for Lithotripsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Eur Urol. 2024. PMID 38290963 · DOI
- Zhong J, Feng Z, Peng Y, Liang H. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Efficacy and Safety Following Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate and Transurethral Resection of Prostate for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Urology. 2019. PMID 31129190 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-11-04; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-11-04.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.