This White Paper was published by Arthur D. Little in September 1989. IRVING J. ARONS ARTHUR D. LITTLE I. Overview The American public spends more than $16 billion annually for vision care. More than 60 million eye examinations are given annually and nearly 60 million pairs of eyeglasses and 3 to 4 million pairs of contact lenses are dispensed. In addition, more than 1 million surgical procedures are performed to correct vision deficiencies or for therapeutic reasons. The laser has and continues to play an important role in the treatment of eye disease. Soon after the laser's discovery, ophthalmologists were putting this unique tool to use in stopping retinal bleeding and repairing retinal tears. Today, more than 90% of all ophthalmologists own or have access to a laser for performing a myriad of treatments including retinal photocoagulation, retinal reattachment, punching holes through the trabecular network to alleviate glaucomas, clearing vitreous strands and membranes, treating...