If you are thinking of having LASIK surgery, than we're sure that you have tons of questions. And we'd love to answer them! Once upon a time, that procedure involved surgeons cutting the eye, using a scalpel, but thankfully, as technology advanced, so has that technique and now that surgery is performed more efficiently using a laser.
Surgery Origins
The history of corrective eye surgeries can be traced as far back as the late 1800s. In the 1930s, Japanese doctors attempted to perform refractive surgery in military pilots. But it wasn’t until several decades later that physicians in the (former) Soviet Union became the first to bring about practical application of refractive surgery through radial keratotomy.
In 1978 American ophthalmologists became interested in the Soviets procedure and after visiting the country, brought the technology back to the United States.
Introduction of the Laser
While thousands of people had already had the procedure done, it was still not very precise and had a long recovery time. This lead researchers to look for a more efficient way to perform the procedure, so in comes the Excimer laser.
First used by IBM to etch silicone microchips, three doctors working with the company’s research laboratories saw the potential of the ultraviolet laser for use with biological tissue. The group realized the laser could be used to remove tissue without causing heat damage to the neighboring material.
A few years later, New York City ophthalmologist, Steven Trokel made the connection to the cornea and performed the first laser surgery on a patient's eyes in 1987. Trokel would go on to patent the device for vision correction.
LASIK Today
The procedure is safer, more precise quicker while recovery time is reduced significantly. Since the introduction of the laser, millions of people around the world have taken advantage of the corrective procedure. As with anything, there are risks, but the benefits of the surgery far outweigh potential risks.
Since 1990, about 20 million people worldwide have had the procedure, while over one million Americans per year go to have it done. If you’re interested in learning more about this procedure you should consult your physician.
If you live in the Dallas, Texas and are interested in learning more about the benefits of LASIK please contact the Carter Eye Center to schedule a consultation.
