The Invention Of Laser Eye Surgery
The Invention of Laser Eye Surgery has completely transformed the world of eye care. Laser eye surgery involves a doctor changing the shape of your cornea so that you don't have to wear glasses or contacts anymore, possibly restoring 20/20 vision.
Refractive eye surgery is an elective procedure designed to correct common refractive eye disorders. These disorders include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and distorted vision (astigmatism).
Laser eye surgery began in 1988 with the first patient treated in Germany. Since then, the procedure has been performed on millions of patients.
There are several procedures used for refractive eye surgery. These include:
- LASIK - laser in-situ keratomileusis
- PRK - photorefractive keratectomy
- RK - radial keratotomy
- ALK - automated lamellar keratoplasty
- AK - astigmatic keratotomy
PRK and LASIK laser surgery were both approved by the FDA in 1990's. PRK surgery was approved by the FDA in October 1995 and LASIK was approved in November of 1998.
Do your research before deciding on any surgery. Make sure you choose a skilled surgeon that had a solid reputation. Check with his patients to see how their procedure went. And if surgery isn't the answer for you, you can always look at wearing contact lenses.
