When was LASIK invented?

LASIK's development spans decades of innovation in ophthalmology and laser technology.

Key Milestones

1949-1960s: Foundation

• Dr. José Barraquer pioneers keratomileusis (corneal reshaping) in Colombia
• Manually reshapes corneal tissue
• Establishes principles used in modern LASIK

1970s: Laser Development

• Excimer laser invented at IBM
• Initially used for etching computer chips
• Produces precise tissue removal without heat

1980s: PRK Emerges

• 1983: Dr. Stephen Trokel proposes excimer laser for vision correction
• 1988: First PRK performed in Germany
• FDA trials begin in the US

1989: LASIK Patented

• Dr. Gholam Peyman patents the LASIK procedure
• Combines flap creation with laser reshaping

1990: First LASIK

• Dr. Ioannis Pallikaris performs first LASIK in Greece
• Combines microkeratome flap with excimer laser
• Revolutionary improvement over PRK recovery time

1995-1999: FDA Approval

• 1995: Excimer laser approved for PRK
• 1999: LASIK approved by FDA
• Commercial LASIK available in US

2000s: Technology Advances

• Wavefront-guided treatments introduced
• Femtosecond (bladeless) lasers developed
• Eye-tracking technology improved

2010s-Present

• 2016: SMILE approved by FDA
• Continued refinement of technology
• Over 40 million procedures performed worldwide

LASIK Today

• Most studied elective procedure
• 96-99% satisfaction rates
• Continued technological improvements
• Standard of care for vision correction