Milestones in Refractive Surgery

(Sources: Alcon, Inc.; VISX, Inc.; and “Laser Vision Break through” by

S. Brint, D. Kennedy, &C. Kuypers-Denlinger)

Researchers have been exploring surgical techniques to treat refractive errors for more than a century. LASIK is the culmination of that work.

1975    First excimer laser is produced. It is known for its precision and was used by IBM to etch circuits into computer chips.

1983    Scientists explore use of excimer laser on corneal tissue. It was discovered that the excimer laser could remove corneal tissue without affecting the area outside of the target zone.

1985    German ophthalmologist uses excimer laser for the first time on human eyes.

1986    Dr. Mark Moran graduates medical school with honors.

1988    U.S. Surgeon uses excimer laser to correct refractive error on a normal sighted eye during FDA clinical trials.

1989    Dr. Moran begins performing Radial Keratotomy to reduce or eliminate nearsightedness.                                                                             

1990    An Italian ophthalmologist combines the microkeratome and the excimer laser to create LASIK. He used a microkeratome to create a flap of corneal tissue and the laser to reshape the tissue of an inner layer of cornea.

1991    First LASIK is performed on a sighted eye for FDA clinical trials.

1993    Dr. Moran participates with IOPTEX Research program of refractive surgery.

1995    FDA approves first excimer laser for PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy).

1996    Dr. Mark Moran opens the first laser center in Allentown and performs the first laser vision correction procedure in the Lehigh Valley.

1999    FDA approves first excimer laser for LASIK (Laser-In-Situ Keratomileusis).

            Millionth procedure was completed in the United States.

            FDA approved the first “flying spot” laser.

2001    LASIK is the most common elective surgical procedure performed in the United States.

2002    FDA approves the first customized wavefront-guided laser eye surgery application.

2003    Custom LASIK becomes widely available in the United States.

            2003 is the first year Dr. Moran is honored as one of the top 100 LASIK surgeons in the country.

2004    FDA approves Custom LASIK for hyperopia.

            U.S. Navy study finds better outcomes with Custom LASIK than with traditional LASIK.

            2004 is the second year Dr. Moran is honored as one of the top 100 LASIK surgeons in the U.S. and 2004 Lehigh Valley Center for Sight is honored as one of the top 50 LASIK practices in the country.

2005    10-year anniversary of the excimer laser.

            Dr. Moran has performed thousands of refractive procedures and is honored for the third year in a row, as one of the top 100 surgeons in the country.

2006    Blade-free LASIK using IntraLase technology is introduced. Over 1 million LASIK procedures have been performed.

2007    FDA approves Custom LASIK for monovision.