Information on Lasik Eye Surgery

History of Lasik Eye Surgery

Lasik eye surgery is a popular option to corrective glasses or contact lenses. The development of the technique is credited to the Spanish ophthalmologist Jose Barraquer. He developed the surgery option in 1950, in his private eye-care center in Bogotá, Colombia. He developed a method that incorporated microkeratome and the insertion of thin cornea flaps via keratomileusis. Jose Barraquer was assisted by Stephan Schaller in his research on the unalterable cornea parts and the study of the possible long-term results with the use of this landmark procedure. In the 1970s, the procedural developments in radial keratotomy were developed in Russia, by Svyatoslav Fyodorov.

In 1983, photorefractive keratectomy was developed at the Columbia University, by Steven Trokel. In 1968, M.L. Bhaumik and his team developed the carbon dioxide laser, at the University of California. The result was the development of an excimer laser. In 1980, Rangaswamy Srinivasan experimented with an ultraviolet excimer laser to etch living tissue without thermal damage, at the IBM Research Lab. This procedure was referred to as Ablative Photodecomposition or APD. However, the first Lasik patent was granted to Gholam A. Peyman in 1989, for a method that modified corneal curvature with the help of an excimer laser.

Information on Lasik Eye Surgery

The Lasik eye surgery involves the use of an excimer laser to cut a flap in the cornea. The flap thus cut is then pulled back and the exposed corneal bed is ablated to take on the corrective shape. The flap is then successfully replaced. The treatment option is very popular due to a consistent record of immediate improvement in vision and reduced pain and discomfort. Today, the use of faster lasers, bladeless flap incisions, larger spot areas and intraoperative pachymetry have made Lasik a common corrective surgery option. The implementation of wavefront-optimized and guided techniques increase reliability and waive off fundamental limitations and undesired destruction of delicate optical nerves otherwise associated with eye surgery.

Pre-operative procedure requires the patient to discontinue wearing contact lenses, at least a month ahead of the surgery. Both corneas are examined with the help of a pachymeter. The main features that are noted include the cornea thickness and surface contour. A topographer is used to map the cornea and detect astigmatism or any other irregularity. This information helps the surgeon to calculate the area and location of corneal tissue to be removed. The Lasik operation does not require the administration of anesthesia. The patient remains wide awake during the three-step procedure. Doctors do sometimes resort to mild sedatives and anesthetic eye drops. A corneal suction is used to hold the eye in place. The flap is then created with the help of a mechanical microkeratome.

The tiny bubbles generated within the cornea enables the surgeon to lift one end of the created flap. The stroma is exposed and the excimer laser is used to remodel the area. The Lasik flap is then carefully repositioned with the help of a natural adhesion. Postoperative care involves the administration of antibiotics and eye drops. A lot of sleep and the use of a darkened shield to protect the eyes from bright lights are part of the prescription. The patient is also advised to prevent rubbing of the eyes and immediately bring the onset of dry eyes to the attention of the doctor. The use of preservative-free 'tears' and drops minimize the risk of complications post-operation.