The History of LASIK
LASIK eye surgery has seen a rather substantial evolution since its original inception. It didn’t just happen overnight, either. While LASIK is a routine procedure now, it once stood as a major operation.
For anyone interested in LASIK eye surgery, having a general understanding of where it came from, how it has changed, and what it is today is valuable part of your preliminary research.
Before Laser
During the 1950s, Columbian ophthalmologist Jose Barraquer devised a procedure using a microkeratome to cut one-hundredth of a mm thick cut into the cornea in order to slightly alter the shape of the eye.
Barraquer spent a considerable amount of research and time looking into how much of the cornea had to be left and untouched in order to ensure stable results at the end of the procedure.
By the 1970’s, a Russian scientist named Dr. Svyotoslav Fyodorov pioneered the use of an artificial, implanted contact lens under the cornea after making an incision. This experimentation and research continued into the 1980s.
How Long has Laser Eye Surgery Been Done?
Laser vision correction became more of an option 1980s. With advancements in ultraviolet lasers, the device started to become not only an object for science fiction but for research across the board, including in the medical community.
In fact, researchers at IBM discovered that the ultraviolet excimer laser could cut into human tissue with greater precise than anything a knife or human hand could perform. Additionally, the laser did not leave any thermal damage to surrounding tissue. by 1985, several eye researchers working at Columbia University took the work and understanding from IBM further and published the potential medical opportunities that would come from this advancement.
By 1985, several eye researchers working at Columbia University took the work and understanding from IBM further and published the potential medical opportunities that would come from this advancement.
Eye doctors immediately saw the potential for lasers. Eventually (1989) Charles Mannerly and Terry Clapham performed what came to be known as the very first VISX laser eye surgery.
Growing Popularity of LASIK
The FDA looked at a trial of laser technique at the end of 1989. The LASIK method of eye surgery was implemented into different VISX locations around the United States. This first started in 1992 using a better LASIK laser that proved to be much more beneficial and desirable than the technology used with VISX.
However, within three years the VISX technology caught up to compete with LASIK.
LASIK is more or less a variation of PRK. During a PRK procedure, the medical team decided to raise the flap of the corner by microkeratome. This new addition to the treatment, which helped prove it much more successful, is what LASIK became.
LASIK Today
LASIK proved to be the best laser eye surgery option out there. However, it does continue to evolve. As technology has improved over the last several years, so too has the ability to properly target the laser. Now, very little actual doctor hand to patient eye actually occurs, with the majority of it done by a computer with the doctor at the controls. This way, it reduces the cut size while allowing a patient to recover faster.
Now, very little doctor-to-patient, hand-to-eye surgery actually occurs, with the majority of it performed by a computer with the doctor at the controls. This way, it reduces the incision size while allowing a patient to recover faster.
If you have any doubt about the amazing LASIK technology available today, download this free eBook that provides all the facts and information you need to find out if laser vision correction is right for you.