What are common applications of lasers in medical settings?

The use of lasers in medical settings is well-established, particularly in vision correction procedures such as LASIK. This technique employs specialized lasers to reshape the cornea, allowing for improved focus and correction of refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness). The precision of lasers makes them ideal for such delicate procedures, as they can remove exact amounts of tissue without affecting the surrounding areas, leading to quicker recovery times and less discomfort for patients.

While other options may involve the use of lasers in different contexts, they do not pertain specifically to medical applications. For instance, the development of new materials and the use of lasers in heating and cooling systems are relevant in industrial and engineering fields, while water purification may use various advanced technologies, but is not primarily associated with laser applications in the medical field. Therefore, vision correction procedures like LASIK stand out as a common and significant application of lasers specifically in medicine.