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.
Advances in Lasik – The Femtosecond (IntraLase) Laser
April 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Flaps in Lasik were traditionally made with a high speed blade, contained in a device called a microkeratome. Bladed keratomes have a good safety record, but complications can occur. Because flap creation is responsible for the majority of LASIK complications and safety issues, it is the source of most patients’ fear of the procedure. Addressing this problem, the Femtosecond (Intralase) laser was approved by the FDA in 2001. After a slow period of adoption, Intralase is gaining significant market share. There have now been 3 million flaps created with FS, almost half of all flaps now created.
