Ablation - Definition and Overview

Ablation is defined as the removal of material from the surface of an object by vaporization, chipping, or other erosive processes. Often used in the context of laser ablation, a process by which the molecular bonds of a material are dissolved by a laser.

Ablation is also used in ablative armor and in ablative heat shields to protect things from heat, such as in the Space Shuttle.

In Medicine, ablation is the same as removal of a part of biological tissue, usually by surgery. Surface ablation in the skin (also called resurfacing, because it induces regeneration) can be carried out also by chemicals (peeling) and laser. Its purpose is to remove skin spots, aged skin, wrinkles, thus rejuvenating it. Surface ablation is also employed in otolaringology for several kinds of surgery, such as for snoring.

Surface ablation of the cornea for several types of eye refractive surgery is now common, using a special excimer laser system (LASIK and LASEK). Since the cornea does not grow back, laser is used to remodel the cornea refractive properties, in order to correct refraction errors, such as astigmatism, myopia and hyperopia.

External links

• Physics of laser ablation (http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/pt/laser/ashfold/ablation.htm)
• Lasik Laser Eye Surgery (http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/lasik/). USA Food an Drugs Administration info.
• Physical Modalities, Including Laser (http://www.emedicine.com/derm/PHYSICAL_MODALITIES_INCLUDING_LASER_APPLICATIONS.htm). eMedicine index of articles on the subject.
• Chemical Peeling (http://www.asds-net.org/Patients/FactSheets/patients-Fact_Sheet-chem_peel.html). American Academy of Dermatological Surgery.