LASIK

LASIK is a laser eye surgery used to treat myopia, nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. By protecting the corneal epithelial cells, there is extremely little pain or discomfort after surgery.

This procedure called Keratomileusis was first devised by the Spanish ophthalmologist Dr. Jose Barraquer in Colombia in 1949, and has been used to operate on severe myopia. This procedure was further developed over the years with advancements in keratotomy. In 1980, laser keratectomy was performed using an excimer laser, which opened the era of laser eye surgery performed by many doctors even to this day.

However, due to various side-effects resulting from laser eye surgery in the case of severe myopia, Dr. Ioannis G. Pallikaris from Greece, developed the LASIK procedure [ Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis ]—using a micro-keratome to make a flap including corneal epithelium and part of the stroma. It is a surgical method that corrects refraction by irradiating excimer laser and attaches the corneal flap back to its original position. Compared to excimer laser keratoplasty (PRK), there is no post-operative pain and the recovery period is shortened, so it is preferred for most myopia and astigmatism patients. It is a surgical method constantly being further improved with advances in medical technology.