Laser Vision Correction
A chronological summary: Epi-LASIK, LASIK, Femto-LASIK and iLASIK
| Late 1980s | Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) | |
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An Excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea and therefore change its refractive power. The ablation occurs on the corneal surface after the outer cell layer, the epithelium, is removed. Today, PRK is performed as LASEK or Epi-LASIK. – correction is based on prescription – relatively long duration of postoperative pain or discomfort – slow healing process (4 to 6 weeks with vision fluctuations) + enhancement procedure is possible |
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| 1993 |
Introduction of Laser-in-situ-keratomileusis (LASIK) in Germany | |
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With LASIK, the area of ablation moved from the surface of the cornea to its stroma: A tiny blade, the so-called microkeratome, is used to cut a thin flap into the cornea. This flap is lifted and the corneal stroma exposed. After the ablation, the flap is folded back. – correction is based on prescription + faster healing process, fewer vision fluctuations + no pain after the procedure + enhancement procedure is easily possible by lifting the flap |
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| 2000 | Introduction of the Aberrometer (Wavefront Analysis) | |
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The aberrometer is a diagnostic device that measures the refractive power of the eye at more than 200 different spots. It produces a "map" which reflects the precise refractive power of the eye for every measured spot. The results are used to customize the LASIK procedure (Wavefront-guided LASIK), resulting in better vision, especially at dawn and dusk. + correction is based over 200 measurements and therefore "customized" |
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| 2004 | Introduction of the Femtosecond Laser (Femto-LASIK, All-laser LASIK) | |
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The femtosecond laser replaces the mechanical microkeratome. + "All-Laser-LASIK" + Individual shaping of the corneal flap (diameter, thickness, hinge position) + Improved healing, faster visual rehabilitation + Reduction of "cutting errors" |
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| 2007 | Monovision LASIK | |
| Special LASIK procedure to correct presbyopia: One eye is corrected for near vision and the other eye (typically the dominant eye) is corrected for distance vision. For presbyopic patients, Monovision LASIK reduces the need to use reading glasses. | ||
| 2008 | iLASIK — Individual Best Vision Wavefront-guided All-laser LASIK |
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The wavefront-guided All-laser LASIK, also called iLASIK, is the most modern LASIK procedure available today. iLASIK allows for the first time to customize all steps of the LASIK procedure. This customization allows an individual correction of the refractive error and therefore leads to optimized results. + iLASIK = customized flap creation + customized ablation + Optimized results: Individual best vision |