The History of LASIK

                                                                                         

LASIK stands for laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis. This laser vision correction surgery has peaked in popularity due to its dramatic results and short recovery time. Who invented LASIK, and where did they get the idea?

Keratotomy, a procedure which corrects vision by making a series of small incisions in the cornea, is the oldest known form of vision correction surgery. Records of this method date back to the 19th Century. It was tested in a more formal laboratory setting by European and Japanese doctors in the 1930s and 1940s.

In the 1970s, Dr. Fyodorov of Russia carried out the first radial keratotomy surgery. One of his patients, a young boy, had fallen down and broken his glasses. The lens cut into the boy’s eye. But instead of resulting in serious eye trauma, the cut healed very quickly and left the boy with improved eyesight. This caught Dr. Fyodorov’s attention, and he studied the matter with great interest.

Dr. Leo Bores of America witnessed the surgery in Russia. Then he put his knowledge to use in the U.S.A. The procedure wasn’t 100 percent successful, but millions of patients had it done in the hopes of gaining better vision. Then, in 1978, the Excimer laser was invented. This laser, coupled with the techniques used in radial keratotomy, led to the advent of laser eye surgery. Dr. Steven Trokel was the first surgeon to use the Excimer laser on corneal tissue.

In 1987, LASIK vision correction was introduced to the public. From its humble beginnings, LASIK has become a sophisticated and precise surgery that causes very little discomfort. These days, over a million people undergo LASIK eye surgery every year. Who could have guessed that one little boy’s accident would lead to the advent of the most popular vision correction surgery in the world?

About the author:
Finding a qualified LASIK surgeon, cataract surgeon, or general ophthalmologist is no easy task. It is important to research your physician's credentials and ensure that he or she has the experience to perform your vision correction procedure. Some surgeons may be more experienced in LASIK surgery, while others specialize in performing cataract surgery with lens implants (IOLs).

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