Photonics is revolutionizing many industries. Today, on World Health Day, we highlight some health care applications that have benefited from advancements in photonics in recent years.

Wearable Biosensors have been developed that use photonics technology for real-time monitoring of various physiological parameters like heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels. These devices can improve patient care by enabling early diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses light to capture high-resolution, three-dimensional images of biological tissues. It has been increasingly used for diagnosing and monitoring ocular diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, as well as for imaging other tissues and organs.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a treatment that combines light-sensitive drugs (photosensitizers) with specific wavelengths of light to destroy cancer cells. Advances in photonics have allowed for better control of light delivery and more precise treatment, reducing side effects and improving patient outcomes.

Optogenetics is a technique that uses light to control specific cells in living tissues, often with the aim of understanding or treating neurological disorders. This technology is continuously refining with the development of new light-sensitive proteins, and designing more efficient light delivery systems to enable precise manipulation of cellular activity.

Laser-Based Medical Procedures use lasers and the advancements in laser technology have led to improvements in various medical procedures, such as laser eye surgery, laser dentistry, and laser-assisted wound healing. Lasers enable minimally invasive procedures that can reduce recovery times and minimize scarring.

Biophotonics for Point-of-Care Diagnostics include photonics-based tools that are being developed for rapid, cost-effective, and portable disease detection. These devices can be particularly beneficial in resource-limited settings, enabling early detection and improved treatment outcomes.

These are just some examples of how photonics in used in healthcare applications. Stay tuned to find our more when we launch our special website dedicated to healthcare applications.