The Evolution of Eye Care
1869
Dr. Hermann Snellen, inventor of the eye chart, proposes using incisions across the steep meridian of the cornea to flatten it and treat astigmatism.
1890s
Leendert Jan Lans began to systematically study and define the principles of keratotomy, establishing standard of refractive surgery.
1936
Professor Tsutomu Sato of Japan observes flattening of the cornea after traumatic eye injury; in early 1950s, performs first Radial
Keratotomy (RK) procedure.
1949
In Bogota, Colombia Dr. José Barraquer (working with Dr. Cesar Carriazo) develops a technique of opening a flap on the outer protective layer of the eye with a microkeratome and reshaping the cornea.
1974
Dr. S.N. Fyodorov of Russia treats boy whose glasses broke, causing corneal lacerations and discovers the practical applica-
tion of refractive surgery through Radial Keratotomy (RK).
1978
Laser eye surgery (RK) introduced to the United States by Dr. Leo Bores
1985-88
Dr. Stephen Trokel of New York City patents Excimer laser (originally used in 1970s by IBM for etching silicone computer chips). Professor Theo Seiler of Germany performs first Excimer treatment on human eye. Dr. Marguerite McDonald performs the first PRK procedure in the United States.
1986
Dr. Luis Ruiz of Colombia develops manual microkeratome; automated microkeratome.
1990
Dr. John van Westenbrugge of Calgary performs first Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) surgery in Canada.
1990/91
Dr. Ioannis Pallikaris and Dr. Lucio Buratto of Greece create basic concept of LASIK.
1990/91
Dr. Ioannis Pallikaris and Dr. Lucio Buratto of Greece create basic concept of LASIK.
2002
Wavefront (“CustomVue”) guided procedures approved by FDA; called greatest advancement in laser vision correction since Excimer laser.