Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

Which wavelength of laser light is most effective for sealing leaky blood vessels?

1. Red

2. Blue-Green

3. Ultraviolet

4. Infrared

The correct answer is: Blue-Green

The effectiveness of blue-green laser light for sealing leaky blood vessels is attributed to its specific absorption characteristics. Blue-green lasers operate at wavelengths around 450-520 nm, which are particularly well absorbed by hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen. This high absorption leads to greater energy deposition within the blood vessel, facilitating effective photocoagulation, which is the process of sealing or clotting the vessel. In medical applications, this ability to maximize energy absorption in hemoglobin results in a more efficient sealing of leaky blood vessels, as opposed to other wavelengths that may not interact as effectively with the target tissues. Furthermore, blue-green light minimizes damage to surrounding tissues while effectively promoting the coagulation process, making it a preferred option in vascular treatments. The other wavelengths, such as red, ultraviolet, and infrared, do not exhibit the same level of selectivity or effectiveness in targeting hemoglobin, and thus are not as optimal for this specific medical application. Red light, while it can penetrate tissues efficiently, lacks the required absorption characteristics specific to vascular applications. Ultraviolet light can lead to unwanted damage to surrounding healthy tissue due to its high energy, while infrared light, although used in various therapeutic contexts, does not target hemoglobin