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Lasik Surgery |
Lasik Surgery Lasik eye surgery is done to correct certain problems in the eyes such as an astigmatism or a myopia. It’s known as refractive laser eye surgery and can only be done by a licensed ophthalmologist. When done correctly it can help the patient recover their eyesight. Most of those who have had the surgery have been able to stop using their contact lenses or eyeglasses. The original procedure was created by a doctor working in Columbia during the 1940s and 50s. He created an instrument known as the microkeratome, which cut into the cornea. Work done in Russia and the United States in the 1970s and 1980s helped develop Lasik as lasers were incorporated into the procedure. A doctor working in New York was granted the first Lasik patent in 1989. In 1989 the FDA began a trial to test an Excimer laser in eye surgery. Ten doctors across the country were part of the trial and one, Dr. Palliakaris, combined several techniques to create Lasik as it's now known today. New techniques and methods have been created since then to reduce the amount of pain experienced by the patient. Prior to the surgery, the eyes are mapped out using lasers to identify any problem areas that need correcting. These spots are shown on a small map to give the doctor his working area. Patients are given antibiotics prior to the surgery to reduce inflammation and the chances of infection. Some patients take a sedative to calm themselves before the procedure, while others stay awake during the surgery. The eye is kept stable with a corneal suction ring and then a flap is cut into the cornea. The lasers are then used to repair and remodel the cornea. The lasers slowly cut into the damaged areas and remove any problem spots. The flap will then be lifted so the doctor can look for any signs of damage or debris trapped in the eye. Once the flap is repositioned, the patient can leave. Most patients notice some blurry vision or have minimal eyesight until the eye is completely healed. Generally speaking, most patients seem happy with the results of their Lasik eye surgery. A survey found that 92% of patients were satisfied with the results of the surgery, while other studies have pointed the figure at closer to 98%. A small number of patients, less than 15%, have had to have the surgery repeated because of complications. See the following links to learn more about Lasik: LASIK at Wikipedia
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