How was LASIK developed?

LASIK Eye Surgery was developed with the revolution of the laser. Prior to that time, all eye surgeries were performed with conventional blades. The LASIK technique is said to have begun with the work of a Columbian ophthalmologist, named Jose Barraquer, who, in 1950, developed the first microkeratome. Using this microkeratome, he made incisions in the cornea and altered the shape of the surface of the eye.

Years later, in 1983, Dr. Steven Trokel outlined the potential benefits of using lasers in refractive eye surgery in a study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology. However, at roughly the same time, scientists in Russia were exploring radial keratotomy and scientists in California were working on the development of the excimer laser. So, it's difficult to attribute the LASIK procedure to one scientist or doctor, per say. However, the first patent for LASIK was given to Gholam Peyman in 1989, and encompasses the entire surgical procedure of retracting the cornea to expose the bed of the eye, and then ablating the surface of the eye to correct vision.

Thanks to the combined work of these genius minds, the revolutionary LASIK Eye Surgery procedure has been granting millions of people the gift of clearer vision, and ridding the need for glasses and contacts. As a result, millions of people are raving about the results of their LASIK surgical procedure.