top of page

A Brief History of Lasik Eye Surgery in India

LASIK is considered to be an advanced medical procedure that is performed to improve eye vision. It is completely safe and a wonderful option to get back vision. Surgical tools such as stitches, scissors, blades, etc are not used during the process. Experienced and knowledgeable eye specialist uses various surgical mechanic tools and a laser to conduct this procedure. Thousands of patients across the country have been availing it to enjoy better eyesight.

Modern Medical Remedy

LASIK’s origins were first established as a crude procedure in the 1940s for reshaping the cornea. With the introduction of lasers, it has become possible to conduct the procedure with greater precision while reducing complications and risks. LASIK is known as laser- assisted in situ keratoileusis. Lasers are used for reshaping subtly the cornea. It changes how eyes refract light, thus allowing the patient to view better.

History of Lasik Eye Surgery

1948: Jose Barraquer Moner, a Spanish ophthalmologist in 1948 had shaved small sections of corneas of his patients. The objective was to enhance their vision. To reshape the eye, he used a scalpel. Later, a device referred to as a microkeratome was used. The latter shaved off the tissue in tiny segments. This device is still used, but in contemporary form by doctors today in a few LASIK surgeries.


1980s: Svyatoslov Fyodorov, a Russian ophthalmologist discovered radial keratotomy, a new technique. It is considered to be the early invention of LASIK and used small cuts to correct nearsightedness and reshape the cornea. This procedure was used during the early 1980s. About half of the patients undergoing radial keratotomy experienced vision changes between 6 months to 10 years. With LASIK, long-term results could be enjoyed, thus rendering radial keratotomy obsolete.

1998: The initial laser was approved by the FDA for LASIK surgery. FDA first approved Laser sight Technologies, Inc. as the first manufacturer. A year later, Summit Technology, Inc. got approval. LASIK procedure in those days used microkeratome. The objective was to create a corneal flap during the initial stage of the procedure. Bladeless LASIK is considered to be a more advanced technique that uses lasers. Faster recovery can be derived with bladeless, laser-based LASIK.

2015: The results that patients experienced between those undergoing bladeless and bladed LASIK were quite similar. Laser-based ones had more control over corneal flap, thus reducing complications. Also were not required much follow-up procedures. With increasing technology, the way how LASIK procedure is conducted has changed over time while providing more precise results.

When was the discovery of Lasik?

LASIK eye surgical procedure discovery is termed as a surprise. A good number of people are not aware of the origin of corrective eye surgery. The fact is that it was in 1974 that Lasik eye surgery was discovered by a young boy suffering from a corneal accident and seeking medical treatment. It changed how doctors view vision today!

LASIK Procedure and its Introduction in India

It is Rangaswamy Srinivasan, an inventor and physical chemist who is credited with the introduction of the LASIK surgery procedure in India. He had a long span of about 30 years working at IBM Research. For ablative photodecomposition, he developed some interesting techniques. A good number of hospitals in the country have been offering this procedure to help people suffering from reduced vision. Lasik eye surgery cost in India is quite affordable attracting patients from all over the world.

Fewer complications associated with Lasik

With LASIK, there arise fewer complications since it offers an enhanced success rate. Moreover, cases associated with vision loss are also quite rare. The majority of the patients having availed of this procedure enjoy satisfactory results. However, a few side effects are noticed like temporary visual disturbances and dry eyes. However, with proper medication, care and time, such symptoms go away. Consult the top eye specialists at the reputed hospital to avail of the surgical procedure.

Quick recovery

With LASIK surgery, you can expect to enjoy availing near-perfect vision. This is possible immediately after the surgery. Post-surgery, patients may take a month’s time to stabilize their vision. With no stitches to be taken care of, you should take rest for several days to allow proper healing. But the healing process and time taken is likely to differ from one patient to the other. Driving is not possible just after undergoing the surgery. According to surgeons, patients may get back to their regular duties post-surgery.

377 views0 comments
bottom of page