[Laser in ophthalmology]

The article presents a brief history of the use of laser in ophthalmology in Norway, from the introduction of the first Argon-photocoagulator in 1972 to the Excimer-laser in 1990. The Argon-photocoagulator is in daily use in all Eye Departments in Norway and the main group of patients treated are those with diabetic retinopathy. Glaucoma has been treated with Argon-laser with good results for the last ten years. YAG-laser, introduced in Norway in 1985, is used to treat secondary cataracts which occur after extracapsular cataract extractions and implantation of artificial lenses. In 1990, the Excimer-laser was introduced for refractive surgery (myopia, astigmatism).