Refractive surgery is a branch of ophthalmology that has undergone remarkable advancements throughout history. The origins of refractive surgery can be traced back to ancient times. Spectacles were first invented in the 13th century by Italian Salvino D’Armate, providing a non-surgical means of vision correction. Contact lenses also have ancient origins, with early attempts to correct vision through the use of animal intestines to reshape the cornea.
20th Century Refractive Surgery
A significant breakthrough in the 20th century was the development of radial keratotomy by Russian ophthalmologist Svyatoslav Fyodorov. RK involved creating radial incisions in the cornea. Although popular during the 1980s due to its predictable results, RK’s long-term risks and effects prompted further exploration.
Emerging in the late 1980s, photorefractive keratectomy offered a more conservative approach to refractive surgery compared to RK. PRK, also known as Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA), involves removing corneal tissue using an excimer laser to reshape it, yielding better long-term results with reduced complications.
Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) brought forth a significant advancement in refractive surgery. Developed in the 1990s by Dr. Ioannis Pallikaris, LASIK combined elements of PRK/ASA and a microkeratome to create a corneal flap. By lifting this flap, surgeons could reshape the cornea using an excimer laser customized to individual prescriptions. LASIK gained widespread popularity due to its precision and enhanced visual outcomes.
Where It’s Headed
Looking towards the future, refractive surgery will increasingly become more personalized for the patient’s unique eye condition. One such treatment, that Vision for Life currently offers, is Contoura Vision LASIK. Contoura offers personalized treatments based on an individual’s unique visual aberrations. By mapping the entire optical system of the eye, this technology aims to address higher-order aberrations that were previously uncorrected, enhancing visual acuity.
The trend toward minimally invasive solutions in refractive surgery is also gaining momentum. Implantable Collamer Lenses, such as the EVO ICL, provide a reversible solution by implanting a synthetic lens between the iris and natural lens, correcting moderate to high refractive errors.
An Ongoing Pursuit
Refractive surgery has made remarkable strides from rudimentary methods like spectacles to advanced techniques like LASIK. As medical technology continues to evolve, future trends in refractive surgery, such as Contoura LASIK and EVO ICL, promise to enhance visual outcomes while minimizing patient risks and downtime. The notion of optimal vision correction remains an ongoing pursuit within this vibrant field of medical innovation.
Dr. Horn is dedicated to the advancements of refractive surgery within Vision for Life and the practice of ophthalmology. Vision for Life was the first practice in Middle Tennessee to use the WaveLight EX500 LASIK Laser and Dr. Horn was the first ophthalmologist in Tennessee to implant the PanOptix Trifocal Lens. Dr. Horn is continually at the forefront of ophthalmology research through clinical trials. This type of work allows surgeons to test new treatments, procedures, and technologies to determine their effectiveness and improve outcomes for patients.
This dedication to improving care shows why Vision for Life is Nashville’s premiere vision correction center. If you’re suffering from vision issues please call us at (615)588-2020 or visit https://visionforlife.com/contact-us/.
