Lasik surgery was first patented in 1989. The FDA started studies at 10 different centers in the US with approval in 1998. Now there are over 700,000 LASIK procedures performed each year (wikepedia). The instrument used to separate the layers of the cornea to create a “flap” is known as the microkeratome. It was patented by Jose Barrquer in 1950. This instrument was later used for LASIK procedures starting in 1989. The microkeratome is a mechanical oscillating blade that creates an incision as it passes over the cornea. There are now multiple models of the microkeratome and several manufactures.