Lasek Eye Surgery

Why have laser eye surgery?

The importance of eyesight, for those people who have it, can not be overstated. As the window to the world, models of expectation and direction are constructed with the eyes and with the help of taste, touch and hearing we map our physical position as being intertwined with our existence. When the quality or strength of our vision is corrupted or reduced in anyway, it can lead to dismay and difficulty in equal measures. It is no wonder that great lengths are gone to in the search for better eyesight with lasek eye surgery.

What did people do before laser eye surgery?

Wearing glasses was the earliest method of refractive control used to correct the eyesight without the need for an operation. It has been reported that as early as 1248 in Italy, glasses were being worn to correct vision and the inventor Salvino D'Armati is credited as being the inventor. Later came the invention of contact lenses and the need to carry spectacles that can be lost or broken was removed. They were fairly easy to use and they tended to stay in place during the course of the day. However, not all eyes accepted contact lenses as well and irritations, infections and dry eyes often resulted for many users of contact lenses. Cleanliness is extremely important and contact lenses were difficult to remove and replace in a hurry. Especially if intense irritation occurs and there is nowhere to wash hands for contact lens handling or no mirror available to help.

When was laser eye surgery first used?

Finally, in the 1980's research enabled a method of refractive surgery that would use a laser beam to reshape the human cornea without damaging any surrounding tissue. The reshaping of the cornea enables vision to be corrected in either direction. Lasek eye surgery was first used in 1996 at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and is one such procedure used commonly today.

What is lasek eye surgery?

Lasek laser eye surgery is a type of refractive surgery which utilizes a laser to reshape the cornea by removing or ablating deep corneal tissue. Lasek or Laser Assisted Sub Epithelial Keratectomy is an upgraded procedure from PRK surgery. No surrounding tissue damage is caused by lasek eye surgery and the results are of a permanent nature. Initially, a flap is cut on the surface of the cornea, either with a blade or a laser, to reveal the inner cornea. The flap is folded back but left attached by a small hinge of tissue remaining. Anaesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eye and a suction ring to keep the eye in position during the procedure. Once the flap has been folded back the exposed corneal tissue will be etched on by laser to the prescribed shape. After the laser procedure the flap is repositioned and allowed to heal naturally.