Lasik Surgery: History and Complications

Lasik surgery has increased in popularity in the last decade. More people are learning the benefits of this treatment. Lasik surgery is making it much easier for people to enjoy life without glasses or contact lenses. Only 3-6% of patients have continued complications after Lasik surgery. Before deciding to undergo Lasik eye surgery you should evaluate your individual risks, as well as determining a good Lasik surgeon as this is an important factor in the effectiveness of the procedure. Making sure you ask questions and are comfortable with your surgeon is very important. There are different ways the procedure is performed and understanding what is going to happen during the procedure is additionally important.

History-

Some Lasik procedures have been around for the better part of 50 years. In 1950 Dr. Jose Barraquer MD. Developed the first microkeratome. Shortly there after in 1968 the first Excimer Laser was used world wide. These things made way for the first patent for Lasik surgery in June of 1989 given to Gholam A. Peyman MD. The patent was listed under the title name "Method for Modifying Corneal Curvature". Inch by inch they made there way to Lasik surgery. Though we now have much more advanced instruments and techniques we still have much more to learn.

Complications-

As with all procedures there are some risks and complications can play a part in our comfort. Though only a small percentage of patients suffer complications greater than 6 months each patient should be aware of what they are:

Over or under correction Flap Wrinkles Infections (DLK) Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis Astigmatism Corneal Ecastasia

Remember that there can be complications in any procedure. Talking to your doctor and feeling comfortable with your surgeon is important. Asking any additional questions about how the procedure is done, healing time, risks, etc...will ease your mind. Lasik surgery can improve your mild nearsightedness, some degrees of farsightedness and some astigmatism to "excellent" without the use of your glasses and contact lenses.