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Who invented laser surgery?

Published in Laser Surgery History 2 mins read

The first person to perform laser eye surgery using the Excimer laser on a patient was Dr. Stephen Trokel in 1987. While there is some debate over the original concept and patent, Dr. Trokel is credited with the first practical application of this technology.

Laser Eye Surgery: A Timeline

While Dr. Trokel performed the first laser eye surgery using an Excimer laser, it's important to recognize that the development of laser surgery is a complex process involving many individuals. Here is a summary:

  • 1987: Dr. Stephen Trokel performed the first laser eye surgery using an Excimer laser on a patient.
  • Debate: There is an ongoing debate about who first conceptualized using the Excimer laser for corneal procedures and who should receive the associated patents.
  • Multiple Contributions: The field of laser surgery is a product of research, innovation, and experimentation by many scientists and doctors.

Understanding Excimer Laser Surgery

What is an Excimer laser?

An Excimer laser is a special type of laser that emits ultraviolet light, which is precise in tissue removal. This precision makes it suitable for surgical procedures like LASIK.

How does it work for eye surgery?

In eye surgery, the Excimer laser reshapes the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, to correct vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. This is done by precisely removing small amounts of tissue.

Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery

  • Improved Vision: Corrects refractive errors to reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.
  • Quick Procedure: Typically, the surgery is very quick.
  • Fast Recovery: Most patients experience a relatively fast recovery, seeing improvements in vision within days.

Types of Laser Eye Surgery

  1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): A flap is created in the cornea, and then an excimer laser reshapes the underlying tissue.
  2. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): The laser is applied directly to the surface of the cornea, without creating a flap.

Conclusion

Dr. Stephen Trokel is recognized for performing the first laser eye surgery with an Excimer laser. While the conceptual origins of the procedure are debated, Dr. Trokel's 1987 surgery is the landmark event. The development of laser surgery, as a whole, involved multiple scientists and doctors.