LASIK History

San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, California

Like many medical advances, the techniques used in LASIK were discovered almost by accident while treating physical trauma. The theories of surgical enhancement of the cornea to improve vision had been discussed since the 1930s but were never put to the test.

Radial Keratotomy

Prior to the introduction of lasers to treat vision problems, traditional surgical instruments were used to correct the cornea by making radial incisions. In the 1970s, a Russian surgeon, Dr. Fyodorov, treated a boy whose glasses had broken. The doctor performed a procedure consisting of radial incisions around the pupil. The doctor discovered that the boy's extreme myopia was much improved. Dr. Fyodorov worked to improve his techniques and wrote several papers on his findings, which were later adopted by surgeons in the United States.

Excimer Laser

It was not long before surgeons realized that better outcomes could be achieved with the assistance of laser technology. The excimer laser was first created to produce the intricate etchings of computer chips. In the 1980s, the excimer laser was adopted by ophthalmologic surgeons to create precise alterations in eye tissue. In 1995, the FDA finally approved the excimer laser for use in Photorefractive Keratotomy, or PRK. This procedure reshapes the front part of the cornea.

LASIK

LASIK is an acronym for Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure used to treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. While the instrumentation used to perform laser vision enhancement surgery has improved greatly since it was first developed, the theory behind the procedure itself is much the same – altering the shape of the eye to improve vision.

In LASIK a corneal flap is made and turned back as though it is on a hinge. The laser then reshapes the corneal stroma (second main layer) for more effective vision correction. Afterwards the flap is replaced, protecting the treated area.

Wavefront-guided LASIK

With the aid of topographical mapping of the eye, the physician can perform even greater vision correcting by adjusting the exact thickness of the ablations (vaporization of tissue) depending on the shape of the eye. Wavefront guided technology provides the most customized vision treatment for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism today.

New Advances

Laser vision correction will not rest on its laurels. Even though millions of people have benefited from laser vision correction over the years, improvements in techniques and advances in technology continue.

If you are considering LASIK surgery, you will want to find an experienced surgeon who keeps abreast of the latest technology. Dr. Kawesch has been performing surgeries since 1992 and has kept pace with the rapid developments. To find out more about LASIK, please contact Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule your initial consultation.

1.800.725.0740