The history of laser vision correction

The history of laser vision correction

The history of laser vision correction

One of the pioneering surgeries in vision correction is Lasik eye surgery. The name comes from the acronym for Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis. That last term means to shape the cornea. Lasik is a hybrid procedure between traditional surgery and the use of a laser. An extremely small knife is used to cut away a flap of the cornea. This exposed space is then shaped by the laser. Because the cornea is devoid of blood vessels, there is little pain with this laser vision correction procedure and it is noted for its rapid recovery.

An issue with Lasik eye surgery was that it was difficult, if not impossible to adapt the procedure for a different clinical presentation. The next of element was to use a laser that was connected to a computer. This gave more control and the ability to adapt a procedure to the needs of a patient. Even this hybrid innovation was preceded by two other procedures called radial keratotomy and photorefractive keratectomy. They have fallen out of favor because they are even less adaptive than most kinds of laser vision correction.

It was radial keratotomy pioneered many of the vision correction procedures. This began, not as research into laser vision correction, but as a happy accident. In the 1970s, a Russian doctor was treating a young man who had hurt his cornea in an accident. After the healing was done, the young man had better vision than before. Because of this, new research was initiated into different kinds of refractive surgery. There were a few more steps, however before we could get to Lasik eye surgery.

Radial keratotomy was the next kind of surgery that was widely performed for vision correction. For this procedure, a series of radial cuts are made that coming out from the center of the cornea, flattened it slightly. Its use was limited, especially when compared to Lasik eye surgery or the other modern laser vision corrections. The people who were good candidates for radial keratotomy were people who suffered from low degrees of myopia and certain forms of astigmatism. And when compared to the recent advancements, it has significant risk and much lore chances for a positive outcome.

Laser vision correction began with a procedure called photorefractive keratotomy. This immediate precursor to Lasik eye surgery had procedural drawbacks for the patient. There was irritation to the surface of the cornea and it could be as long as three days before the eye healed so the vision would be clear. There was also a great deal of discomfort after the surgery. There was a great deal of room for improvement.

In the early 1990s, Lasik was developed by combining two procedures and refining it with a device that would cut a flap in the cornea with a minimal number of irritations. A laser is then used to sculpt the cornea into the right shape to correct the vision. There was less pain for the patient and the improvement in sight happens much faster. But you have to remember that Lasik eye surgery has become a starting point for the newer procedures that have even more comfort and a higher degree of positive outcomes.

Vision correction has now advanced to a point where surgical evolution exceeds the expectations of most patients. If you are seriously considering a procedure like this one, you should seek out a practice like Visualase. They are up-to-date with many of the most current procedures and are happy to guide you through all the steps that will allow you to have that perfect vision.

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