REFRACTIVE SURGERY

Refractive Surgery is defined as any eye surgery that is intended to improve the refractive state of the eye in order to decrease a patient’s dependency on glasses or contacts. The category of refractive surgery, then, includes all laser vision correction procedures and cataract surgery. Successful refractive surgery will reduce or in most cases eliminate the most common causes of poor vision such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

History of Refractive Surgery

1960s	radial keratotomy (RK) – a procedure where fairly deep spoke-like incisions are made in cornea is developed by Russian Svyatoslav Fyodorov. This refractive surgery was discovered after he removed glass from a young patient in an accident.
Late 1970s	eximer laser – an incredibly precise ultraviolet laser technology developed in Russia, applications in eye surgery and semiconductors
1987	1st excimer laser treatment on human eye – Professor Theo Seiler performs first refractive surgery using an excimer laser in Zurich.
1991	LASIK procedure – Dr. Stephen Brint performs the first LASIK procedure
1995	*FDA approves excimer laser for refractive surgery* to correct nearsightedness**
1999	First excimer lasers approved for LASIK surgery Dr. Wade begins performing LASIK surgery
2000	FDA approves excimer laser for LASIK to correct farsightedness
2001	Eye Center of Texas is founded
2002	WaveFront Lasik technology- approved for “custom” correction during refractive surgery
2002	IntraLase technology- approved for creation of the corneal flap during refractive surgery

Risks and benefits
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with refractive surgery. The iLASIK procedure stands in a class of its own with the broadest range of FDA-approved indication. If you have underlying eye disease or other relevant medical condition, you may not be a good candidate for refractive surgery. Anyone considering refractive surgery should be thoroughly examined. We at the Eye Center of Texas include a free comprehensive screening and vision exam prior to recommending any refractive surgery.

Though the risks are small, there are still chances for serious complications following refractive surgery. Our team of experts will discuss all the possible risks with you prior to any refractive surgery procedure. Some of these risks include vision problems such as starbursts or halos, dry-eye syndrome.

The primary benefit following a refractive surgery is reduced dependence on glasses or contacts. Most of our patients have 20/20 vision or better as a result. Can you imagine waking in the morning and being able to read the clock? Or being able to drive or work at the computer without reaching for your glasses? Click here for cataract experiences, or here for lasik experiences, to read stories from patients just like you.