Lasik Surgery History, Facts, and Things to Know
LASIK eye surgery is fast becoming an extremely popular solution to vision problems. The first clinical studies took place in the 1990s, and since then it has proved reliable and highly successful. In this respect it is relatively new, though the science behind LASIK surgery has in fact been around for years. Here is a brief guide to the history of this popular procedure.
The process of LASIK surgery involves two steps. First, a flap is created on the cornea to allow the surgeon access to reshape the eye to correct any irregularities on the surface. this process is known as keratomileusis.
The tool used to create the corneal flap was created in 1970s by a Colombian doctor called Jose Barraquer. This is a metal tool known as a microkeratome, and effectively uses a blade in the creation of the corneal flap. However, today many LASIK surgery procedures make use of lasers to create the flap rather than the microkeratome. However, some procedures do still use the microkeratome, and this process was the only method for around 40 years before the laser technology become popular for this purpose.
Technology really started to develop in the 1990s when two doctors from Italy and Greece, Dr. Lucio Buratto and Ionnis Pallikaris, combined the techniques used in the past in order to create a much quicker procedure. The first modern version of LASIK surgery was unveiled in the United States by 1991. Clinical trails began to take place successfully, the technique was met with FDA approval and the eye surgery has grown in popularity ever since.
However, the story does not end there as LASIK surgery is still improving all the time. In the last 16 years there have been many technological advances to make the techniques much safer, quicker and more effective. This means there is a great chance that the surgery will be successful in correcting any vision problems, and there is much less chance of any complications following the surgery. This is mainly down to the femtosecond laser replacing the microkeratome in creating the corneal flap.
Wavefront technology has also come into mainstream use, where it uses techniques to map the individual eyes for a custom guided laser surgery option. This has greatly increased the success rate of LASIK surgery both for standard vision problems and treatments that require a more individual program.
As you can see, while LASIK surgery is a relatively new procedure, the technology has been developing for a matter of decades making this an extremely reliable option. The science has been in development for more than 50 years, and lasers have been reshaping corneas for more than 20 years.
Technology is still advancing, making LASIK more and more effective all the time. If you are still unsure it is always important to have a consultation where the eye surgeon will let you know your best options, and which specific type of surgery is best for you. It is always important to get the advice of a qualified vision specialist. An eye doctor or surgeon is the only person who can tell you exactly what type of procedure will help restore your vision.
For many people, Lasik may be the correct option for their particular vision needs, but you need to be aware that it is not the right procedure for everyone. You doctor is the one who can walk you through the diagnosis stage and who will be able to guide you to the path that is best for you and your health needs
So its for your own benefit that you should not become a doctor for yourself.you must consult with a specialist doctor who can save you and your eyes.
