How the Thickness of Your Cornea Affects Getting LASIK
When glasses or contacts become too troublesome and inconvenient, many people turn to laser eye surgery. LASIK experts in Los Angeles like Doctor Moosa say that LASIK is known for treating varying levels of farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. The reason that this procedure has become so popular is that it is a long-term solution that actually corrects corneal aberrations, rather than just compensating for them. LASIK patients can achieve up to 20/20 vision or, in some cases, even better!
The best LASIK surgeons in Los Angeles are selective when it comes to their patients. Not everyone can be eligible for LASIK because there are certain factors that can affect the accuracy of the results and the safety of the patient. Corneal thickness is one of the eye conditions that LASIK specialists will check for before qualifying a patient for LASIK. This is a particularly important requirement for a few reasons.
Imperfect prescriptions are caused by irregularities in the cornea which can be perceived as nearsightedness, astigmatism, or farsightedness. Light is directed behind or in front of the retina, instead of on it, which can affect the clarity of the image. LASIK surgeons in Los Angeles correct this issue by removing excess tissue and reshaping the cornea to better reflect light. LASIK requires the creation of a tiny flap in order to access the stromal layers of the cornea.
When visiting a LASIK clinic in Los Angeles, patients will receive a comprehensive eye exam in order to determine if they are an ideal candidate for the procedure. Since the LASIK method requires a corneal flap to be made, patients must have a cornea that is within a certain range of thickness. When a patient’s cornea is too thin or too weak, this increases their chances of experiencing complications or jeopardizing their healing process. Here are some of the qualifications and facts that LASIK specialists consider:
- Patients must have a minimum of 250 microns of corneal thickness after their surgery.
- LASIK removes about 160 microns of tissue to create the corneal flap.
- LASIK removes about 12-14 microns per diopter of vision for correction.
- Corneal thickness can be measured with a corneal pachymetry test.
After measuring the thickness of your cornea, LASIK specialists will need to do some mathematical reasoning in order to determine if you are a safe candidate for the procedure. If a doctor determines that you do not qualify for LASIK, you may qualify for PRK instead. This laser eye surgery alternative uses a slightly different method to correct vision in which a corneal flap is not needed. This helps conserve corneal tissue.
Whether you qualify for LASIK or not, it is a good idea to visit a clinic to have the evaluation and determine the best way to reach your vision goals. If you’re wondering how much LASIK surgery is, then you will be given an estimate based on the needs of your current visual acuity. Fortunately, LASIK is more affordable than ever with available financing options. When you calculate the total cost of LASIK and compare that to the lifetime use of glasses or contacts, you will see that this procedure is a worthwhile investment. Contact the Excel Laser Vision Institute to learn whether you qualify for LASIK eye surgery and get started on the journey to clear, independent vision.
Myths about Laser Eye Surgery Debunked
It is fairly common for people who are interested in laser eye surgery to come across some misinformation in their research. Until visiting a LASIK clinic and speaking to an eye care professional such as those of Excel Laser Vision Institute, these contradictory claims can be quite confusing. Some people may even put off getting the LASIK procedure because of these misrepresentations. So, in order to make a truly informed decision about laser eye surgery, it is important to have the facts. Here are some of the most common myths about laser eye surgery:
It’s dangerous.
LASIK eye surgery has undergone quite a bit of innovation in the last few decades in terms of technology and method, which means that any potential risks are significantly lowered. LASIK experts like Doctor Moosa say that the percentage of people who experience LASIK complications is less than 1%. LASIK clinics will always complete a comprehensive exam of every prospective patient before offering the surgery, in order to ensure that they are prime candidates. Nowadays, the most that patients have to fear is temporary discomfort or vision changes rather than permanent damage.
It’s more expensive than other corrective eye solutions.
Many people have the misconception that laser eye surgery cost is greater than the longtime use of glasses or contacts. This simply isn’t true. While the initial upfront cost is expensive, LASIK is an investment that saves you money, time, and convenience over the years. With glasses or contacts, expenses can add up over a lifetime of use. LASIK eye surgery cost is one all-inclusive amount to improve visual acuity. Plus, with financing options available, you can better manage the price and pay it all off within a reasonable amount of time.
It’s only effective for nearsightedness.
LASIK eye surgery can be used to treat various levels of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The only way to know if you are a prime candidate for the procedure is to get a comprehensive eye examination from your LASIK surgeon. If you do not qualify for LASIK, you may instead qualify for an alternative laser eye procedure like PRK or SMILE. There are many methods by which vision correction can be customized to a patient’s vision needs.
Anyone can get it.
LASIK clinics are selective when it comes to qualifying patients for laser eye surgery. Why? Because they want to deliver the best possible results. Some of the conditions that your surgeon will check for before deciding you are a good candidate for the procedure are thin corneas, excessive dry eye, naturally large pupils, and health conditions such as diabetes. So, if your LASIK surgeon decides that you are a good fit, then you can rest assured that your procedure will run smoothly.
LASIK Surgery Near Me
If you are tired of relying on glasses and contacts and are ready for a long-term solution, then you can schedule a consultation with your nearest LASIK clinic. The Excel Laser Vision Institute is a renowned clinic with one of the best LASIK surgeons in Los Angeles. Call or visit our clinic to learn how we can help you reach your vision goals!
How Dry Eye Affects Which Laser Eye Surgery You Get
According to the eye doctors from Excel Laser Vision Institute, a LASIK clinic in Los Angeles, tears are a very important part of our eye’s cleansing process. This moisture can help remove irritants before they get to the delicate surface of the eye. Tears also contain substances that are crucial for eye tissue health. When recovering from refractive surgery, your eyes require tears to heal. However, people that are prone to dry eye can have a more difficult time getting these procedures or may not be qualified for some surgeries at all.
The goal of both LASIK and SMILE refractive surgeries is to carefully reshape the eye so that light is better able to focus on the retina. While these are very effective at correcting vision, they can potentially interfere with a patient’s ease of producing tears. Patients are usually prescribed drops after their surgery in order to supplement drier eyes and optimize recovery time. However, a patient that is predisposed to a dry eye condition may require a certain refractive surgery over another to reduce the chances of extreme dry eye.
SMILE, the newest innovation in laser eye surgery, differs from LASIK in that it does not require the creation of a corneal flap. According to Doctor Moosa, one of the LASIK experts in Los Angeles, the very nature of the SMILE method may reduce the chances of postoperative dry eye. Since the procedure is flapless, less nerves in the eye need to be cut. These nerves exist to trigger tears when your eye is dry. So, SMILE could, in essence, conserve the amount of nerves cut and thus significantly reduce the chances of dry eye symptoms. SMILE specializes in the treatment of nearsightedness and therefore must be utilized within certain parameters.
If you’re hoping to receive the best laser eye surgery, then you should research clinics with a high reputation. The Excel Laser Vision Institute is one clinic in Los Angeles that is known for its patient satisfaction rates, thanks to an incredibly experienced surgeon. Clinics like these perform a comprehensive exam and analysis of your eye health in order to determine if you qualify for LASIK, SMILE, or another version of refractive surgery to achieve your vision goals. Fortunately, LASIK eye surgery cost is much more affordable than it used to be. This is because, along with integrating technological advancements, clinics are creating financing options that fit a variety of income levels.
If your eye care professional determines that you are qualified for SMILE or LASIK, then there are some steps that you can take to treat minor symptoms of dry eye before your surgery. The healthier your eyes are, the faster your recovery will go. One of the first things that your eye doctor will recommend is prescription eye drops. These can help your glands produce more tears or even reduce swelling of the cornea and eyelid. Tear duct plugs are also an option that some doctors might recommend. These are tiny silicone inserts that can help retain natural tears. For more home-style remedies, warm compresses can open up blocked glands in order to soothe dry eye.
Are Novelty Halloween Contacts Safe?
It’s the spookiest time of the year! With Halloween coming up on October 31st, people are starting to make plans for their costumes. Some of the fun, quirky costume elements that people like to integrate into their costumes are colored contacts. These can take a costume to the next level. However, many people are concerned about whether or not these novelty contacts are safe. Doctor Moosa, one of the LASIK experts in Los Angeles is here to answer some common questions about novelty contacts and help people enjoy a fun, safe Halloween.
Will novelty contacts harm my eyes?
If you’ve ever noticed, certain theatrical performances or feature films will often incorporate costume makeup and contacts in order to help someone achieve a certain look. These can actually be quite safe, as long as they are correctly prescribed, cleaned, and maintained. According to Doctor Moosa, one of the best LASIK surgeons in Los Angeles, all contacts that are being sold in stores must be FDA approved, otherwise they are illegal. These contacts can be worn whether or not someone usually wears corrective lenses because they are available with and without prescriptive lens power. Some people can be sensitive to contact lenses and may not react well to wearing them, especially if it is their first time. If you happen to notice any irritation, swelling, or redness when wearing these contacts, then you should immediately take them out and seek medical help.
How should I go about purchasing novelty contacts?
If you are going out to purchase some fun lenses, then LASIK surgeons in Los Angeles recommend buying from an authorized business. If the seller does not ask for a valid prescription, then these contacts will likely be a one-size-fits-all design. When contacts are not fitted correctly, they can cause infections, scratches to the cornea, and affect vision. Avoid buying contacts from unknown sellers.
If you have never worn contacts before, then you should visit an eye doctor for an exam and proper fitting. When you first insert lenses, it may be briefly uncomfortable but the right sized contacts should settle after a little time. Make sure to practice the right cleaning habits and always wash your hands before handling the contacts.
What are some important tips for wearing novelty contacts?
LASIK experts in Los Angeles particularly Doctor Moosa recommend putting contact lenses in before applying any costume makeup. This can help prevent any makeup from getting on the contacts and causing a bacterial infection. In order to decrease the chances of dry eye, you might want to use eye drops or simply blink more frequently to get your eyes adjusted. Never wear novelty contacts for more than 8 hours in a day. If you start to notice discomfort, then you should take them out even earlier. As with normal contact lenses, you should not go swimming or fall asleep with them on.
Typically, novelty contacts have an expiration date and can be used multiple times before that. If you are planning to use them again, then you should make sure that they stay clean and protected. If at any point, they become damaged or incredibly dirty, then you should just dispose of them. You can purchase a multi-purpose contact lens solution at most convenience stores and use this to soak the contacts. Do not use water, saline, eye drops, or saliva to clean the contacts.
LASIK and PRK: Two Sides of the Same Coin
According to Doctor Moosa, one of the LASIK experts in Los Angeles, there are many choices when it comes to refractive surgery; however, the two most common procedures are LASIK and PRK. The choice between these two laser eye surgeries comes down to a patient’s eye health and lifestyle. In both PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis), the shape of the cornea is altered in order to refocus light properly. This helps solve blurring and distortion for someone with a lower visual acuity.
PRK and LASIK are proven techniques for treating vision problems and helping patients achieve their vision goals. While they require different methods and tools, they have the same goal. Both can be used to correct astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness. Experts at Excel Laser Vision Institute, a LASIK eye center in Los Angeles, say that each vision correction procedure is comparable in cost as well as results. The price may change based on the clinic, the surgeon, and the patient’s needs. However, the average is around $2,000 per eye. After receiving either LASIK or PRK, patients undergo a recovery period but both can experience immediate results. Some people are astounded at the clarity of vision they have the day after the surgery and how strong their vision remains after. Each of these refractive surgeries provide long-term results; however, sometimes one procedure is more suitable for one type of patient.
Laser eye surgery doctors can do a comprehensive exam of a patient’s eyes in order to determine what procedures they qualify for and which one would better suit their needs. Some of the things that they will look at is a patient’s pupil size, cornea size, eye health history, and current prescription. Depending on a patient’s hobbies, career, or lifestyle, there may be one procedure that makes more logistical sense for them. Here are some of the reasons why someone might choose PRK over LASIK:
- When patients don’t qualify for LASIK, they may be a better candidate for PRK.
- PRK does not require the creation of a corneal flap, which is beneficial for some patients who are at risk of flap displacement (athletes, skydivers, military).
- Patients with thinner corneas may choose PRK because the procedure favors tissue conservation.
When you visit a LASIK clinic in Los Angeles such as Excel Laser Vision Institute, you will see that there are many options for someone who is trying to improve their visual acuity. PRK and LASIK are two of the most common and well-known procedures. While LASIK is generally considered more advanced in terms of technology and efficiency, PRK is a solid option for patients with certain eye conditions or lifestyles. Not everyone will qualify for every refractive surgery, which is why it is important to have alternatives for vision correction. Now, more than ever, refractive surgery has become accessible to people with varying prescription levels and complexities. The cost of this kind of surgery has also become more widely available to different incomes thanks to better financing options. Whether you chose PRK or LASIK, you have the chance to achieve 20/20 vision or better and improve your overall quality of life.
Why Getting LASIK Surgery is More Affordable Than Wearing Contact Lenses
If you’re someone that dreams of not wearing contact lenses anymore, then you’re not alone. Many people find contacts to be extremely uncomfortable and inconvenient while the common alternative, prescription glasses, is unappealing. Since clarity of vision is so important, people tend to settle with their chosen corrective lenses and limit themselves in their daily lives. However, what if you knew that there was a third alternative that is actually more cost efficient? Doctor Moosa, one of the best LASIK eye surgeons in Los Angeles say that laser eye surgery is more affordable than ever. With numerous financing options available, people can realistically get the procedure without stressing about the cost and even save money over time.
LASIK Eye Surgery Cost
The cost of laser eye surgery depends on the clinic and the surgeon. Typically, you will be spending between $2,000 and $4,000 per eye. The price includes the preoperative exam, in which your LASIK surgeon will assess your eye health and visual acuity. During this time, they will determine if you are eligible for the procedure or if an alternative procedure might suit you better. The cost also covers any postoperative care that may be needed, including check-ups and prescription drops.
The reason that the laser eye surgery cost is on the higher end is because it requires advanced technology and the expertise of a skilled surgeon to complete successfully. You pay for the quality of care that you will receive, which includes an in-depth consultation with your LASIK eye surgeon and the ultimate attention from start to finish. Your surgeon will walk you through the procedure so that you know what to expect and how to best prepare for the day. Once the day of your surgery arrives, you will receive the best care to ensure a safe, efficient, and precise procedure.
Contact Lens Cost
Contact lenses do not require surgery to wear. However, they do require yearly checkups and adjustments in order to accommodate any changes in prescription. In order to maintain your contact lens wear correctly, you must pay for cleaning solutions, cases, and replacement contacts. These expenses can add up over the years, especially with increased dependency. Contact lens maintenance can reach up to $200 a year, which certainly cuts into your budget over a lifetime of wear.
LASIK vs Contacts
Many people think of LASIK as an investment. While the initial cost may be higher than a single pair of contacts, the overall lifetime value of corrective eye surgery is priceless. Imagine, having crystal clear vision, independent of any corrective lenses. The convenience and joy that you receive as a result of laser eye surgery is immeasurable. Plus, when you tally up the yearly expenses that come with contacts or glasses, you will start to see that LASIK is the more cost-effective option. If you’re looking for a permanent and effective solution to your vision problems, then LASIK could be the answer.
Visit a LASIK clinic in Los Angeles like Excel Laser Vision Institute to learn how you can achieve your vision goals. You will receive a comprehensive eye exam and consultation with an experienced eye care professional in order to determine if you qualify for the LASIK procedure.
Eye Care Experts Discuss LASIK and All its Benefits
One of the most impressive things about laser eye surgery is its ability to permanently reshape the eye’s cornea in order to focus light better. Thanks to this technology, LASIK clinics in Los Angeles such as Excel Laser Vision Institutecan offer many patients crystal clear vision without the need for contacts or glasses. Since LASIK was approved by the FDA, laser machines have become even more precise and customizable, allowing vision correction to be more widely available and effective. Now, LASIK has been proven to treat a range of nearsighted and farsighted prescriptions as well as astigmatism.
Unlike other forms of vision correction, laser eye surgery is a long-term investment. This is why LASIK eye surgery cost must be considered against the micro expenses that one must pay for glasses and contacts. When comparing the expenses, many patients find that LASIK is actually the more cost-effective option. While the initial cost is much higher, it is a one-time payment for a lifetime of benefits. On the other hand, maintaining corrective eyewear can really add up over the years as well as provide a certain inconvenience to people.
The best laser eye surgery is long-lasting. According to eye care experts, few patients require a LASIK enhancement after their initial procedure. In fact, only 6% of patients opt for an enhancement procedure within 10 years of the surgery when their initial prescription was stronger than -10.0D. LASIK is not perfect, but many patients say that any changes to their crystal clear vision over the years are subtle and provide no inconvenience to their lifestyle.
LASIK clinics such as Excel Laser Vision Institute are busier than they were twenty years ago because more people are hearing the success stories that come from this elective procedure. When refractive surgery was first introduced, many people were skeptical of its effectiveness and afraid of anything too invasive. Fortunately, LASIK surgeons have proven that this surgery can not only be performed safely and precisely, but it has the power to change people’s lives.
Suddenly, people are equipped to enter into certain professional fields that they might have been blocked from with their previous vision status. People are also experiencing greater joy in their day to day life. Whether it’s being able to swim, camp, or drive, people that receive laser eye surgery no longer have to be concerned about their corrective lenses. Instead, they can operate as if gifted with a natural 20/20 vision.
LASIK has become the most popular vision correction procedure with one of the highest satisfaction rates of any elective procedure. Now that people have this vision correction alternative, many people are achieving their vision goals at a faster rate than ever before.
If you would like to find out if you’re eligible for LASIK, then you can visit one of Excel Laser Vision Institute’s branch in Los Angeles for a thorough eye exam and consultation. Our experienced staff will help you determine the right solution to your vision needs and our dedicated surgeon will make your goals a reality.
LASIK Clinics Provide Clear, Independent Eyesight During Difficult Times
LASIK experts in Los Angeles like Excel Laser Vision Institute have watched the transformation of households and communities during a worldwide pandemic and have noted one common denominator—more than ever, people want to make the best of the situation. The new normal consists of wearing masks in public spaces, which has proven a huge inconvenience for people that are reliant on their prescription glasses. Contact lens wearers have also faced struggles in terms of refraining from touching their eyes and making sure that their lenses stay clean. Everything has changed, causing many people to reevaluate their dependence on corrective lenses. In a time of uncertainty, many people want to control as many factors of their life as they can. This is why the best LASIK surgeons such as Doctor Moosa have been even more sought-after than before.
Wearing masks in public has become a necessity, which is both a blessing and a curse for many people. On one hand, this medical tool is significantly decreasing the number of infections being spread. On the other hand, it is incredibly inconvenient for people who also rely on glasses to see. Many masks are made without consideration of someone that wears glasses. This means that the mask requires constant adjustment, which is dangerous in the sense that the person must frequently touch their face, around their eyes, to shift their glasses around the mask. Then, even with constant adjustment, these masks will cause a person’s glasses to fog up, significantly, impairing their vision.
Since the start of the pandemic, some masks have been tweaked to bend at the nose in order to decrease the amount of fogging; however, it is not one-hundred-percent effective. When someone breathes in a mask, the water vapor becomes concentrated and then seeps out of the edges of the mask, landing on the surface of the glasses. Other solutions to this problem include washing glasses with soap and water in order to prevent the water vapor from attaching to the lenses. Again, this is not entirely effective for every person. Foggy glasses can provide a huge inconvenience for someone who is just trying to buy their groceries or walk down the street. It can lower their self-confidence and cause anxiety in an already nerve-inducing situation.
Contact wearers are not facing these daily struggles. However, they are experiencing a different kind of inconvenience and risk. LASIK surgeons have greatly warned against the use of contacts during this pandemic because they require constant contact with the eye. The danger of touching an unclean surface and then touching your eye is much greater with someone who wears contacts than with someone who wears glasses. So, while you don’t have to face fogged up glasses with contacts, you do have to consider the cleanliness of your hands and your interaction with your eyes at all times. In a time when people are increasingly at home and buying large quantities of things to stock up, contacts and contact lens solutions are less available which can provide another issue for people reliant on this corrective eyewear.
Fortunately, there is a solution to all of these problems that many people are starting to discover. Laser eye surgery is a safe, effective procedure that has been available for decades. Since the advancement of laser technology and more in-depth studies of the eye, LASIK clinics in Los Angeles are now able to provide better results and patient satisfaction rates than ever before. LASIK is a long-term solution to vision problems that can offer patients independence from their corrective lenses. During difficult times like these, having clarity of sight that you can rely on is an invaluable gift. Improve your quality of life by looking into LASIK eye surgery at Excel Laser Vision Institute today.
Behind Every Great LASIK Clinic is a Great Ophthalmologist
As a field, ophthalmology has transformed LASIK clinics in Los Angeles as well as other eye care centers all over the world. It is thanks to experienced surgeons like Dr. Moosa at Excel Laser Vision Institute that patients are able to achieve 20/20 sight or better. In the video below, Dr. Moosa explains why he chose ophthalmology as his career path:
In the simplest sense, ophthalmology is the study of the eye. Ophthalmologists have a deep understanding of its anatomy and physiology in order to diagnose and treat disorders. These are some of the things that an ophthalmologist is trained to do in his/her career: treat eye diseases, prescribe contacts or glasses to correct vision, conduct research on eye diseases and disorders, and perform laser eye surgery.
While developments in eye care have very current effects, the study of ophthalmology actually dates back thousands of years. According to experts at LASIK centers in Los Angeles, the first medical eye treatment was recorded in the Ebers Papyrus from Egypt, around 1550 BCE. Doctors around this time found that the eye had inner and outer layers with some type of fluid. The earliest treatments were typically herbal although there is evidence that the Egyptians might have performed simple surgical procedures.
The Sushruta Samhita, an ancient Indian text, was another early resource of medical information and treatment. Some say that this text was written in the sixth century BCE while others believe it to be later on. Regardless, this large work communicated an expanse of knowledge, detailing 1,120 conditions and illnesses. At least 67 of these were ocular related. The text includes information about different surgical instruments and treatment methods, including how to clear vision by pushing away cloudy cataract lenses.
In Greece, Aristotle dissected animal eyes in order to discover the three layers that make up the structure. Meanwhile, Rufus of Ephesus was the first to recognize that the eye had two chambers filled with two different substances (one like water and one like egg whites) and he also identified the epithelial layer as well as the conjunctiva. In the second century, Galen began to piece apart the cornea, curvature of the lens, tear ducts, and function of the optic nerve. He was able to create models of the eye that were more precise than others of his time. There were countless other researchers, scientists, and doctors that contributed to our knowledge of the eye and expanded the range of ophthalmology’s practical reach.
Currently, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is the largest association of eye surgeons and physicians with around 32,000 members. There are many different specialities that ophthalmologists can focus on in their studies including cornea and external disease, neuro-ophthalmology, glaucoma, pediatric ophthalmology, ophthalmic plastic surgery, vitreoretinal diseases, and ophthalmic pathology. When becoming a patient at a LASIK eye center in Los Angeles, you are directly benefiting the skills and expertise of the ophthalmology field. Thanks to the dedicated doctors in this area of expertise, people are able to get the treatment they need to enjoy clarity of vision.
How LASIK Clinics Have Adopted New Technology
Laser vision correction as we know it at Excel Laser Vision Institute, a LASIK clinic in Los Angeles, has quite an extensive history, thanks to the discoveries of many different researchers, scientists, and doctors. We can thank our advanced technology and eye correction methods to their combined contributions to the study of refractive surgery. One of the most recent improvements to the LASIK procedure is the use of the Wavelight EX500 laser. Harvard-trained surgeon Dr. Moosa discusses how this is used at the Excel Laser Vision Institute:
Twenty-first-century vision correction methods have reached new heights of safety, efficiency, and accuracy. However, it took a great amount of trial and error to get to this point. At the end of the nineteenth century, Dr. Lendeer Jans Lans published a paper on correcting astigmatism by making tiny incisions in the cornea to adjust the natural curvature. This information became useful in 1930, when Tsutomu Sato, a Japanese ophthalmologist, started practicing refractive surgery on war pilots. In his time, laser technology was not available, which meant that these procedures were less accurate and less protective of the eye.
Fortunately, the microkeratome came into use in 1963 to better optimize the reshaping of the cornea. This was called keratomileusis, a technique that was adopted into laser vision correction and LASIK. The next big discovery happened when a Russian doctor was treating a nearsighted boy who had an accident. After suffering a great fall, he broke his glasses and got pieces of glass stuck in his eye. The result of this was a happy accident! The glass had cut off parts of his cornea and actually contributed to better vision. When the Russian doctor saw this, he started doing research that led to radial keratotomy.
While all of these doctors made strides in vision correction, the development of laser technology was necessary for moving this practice in the right direction. According to Doctor Moosa, a LASIK eye specialist, lasers were able to make more precise incisions that did not burn organic tissue. Photorefractive keratectomy was first performed in 1981 on a Thanksgiving turkey to prove this point. Laser eye surgery further progressed when Dr. Marguerite McDonald completed the first PRK procedure to correct myopia in 1987 and then performed the first Epi-LASIK surgery in North America in 2003.
LASIK eye surgery is often associated with Ioannis Pallikaris, the Greek ophthalmologist that performed the first procedure on a person in 1989. Within the same timeframe another ophthalmologist named Gholam Peyman received a patent for this type of refractive surgery. Since then, the integration of the femtosecond laser has allowed for bladeless LASIK techniques to arise and wavefront technology has allowed a greater capacity for personalization. Now, surgeons are able to create and follow a digital map of an individual’s cornea in order to increase accuracy and safety.
Thanks to the contributions of many professionals, the world of laser eye surgery has become more exciting and innovative than anyone thought possible. It is also increasingly accessible to people now that LASIK eye surgery cost has been made more affordable. Patients at laser eye clinics can now achieve 20/20 vision or better, regaining their independence and improving their quality of life.