As medical technologies advance at the rapid pace of other technologies, laser surgery is becoming a more common procedure for a variety of medical conditions. Such conditions include heart surgery, eye surgery, and cosmetic surgery. While the scope of this research cannot do justice to all forms of laser surgery, it is adequate to cover one of the most popular and controversial forms of laser surgery û eye laser surgery. In 2001, more than one million excimer laser procedures to correct vision were performed in the United States (Caster 2001). The first corrective vision technique that allowed people to see without the aid of glasses or contact lenses was known as radial keratotomy and was invented in 1973 (Caster 2001).
More than a quarter century later, dramatic new advances in medical technology carry out more accurate and beneficial procedures. Lasers controlled by computers are now used in procedures like photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Such laser procedures to correct vision are helping millions of Americans see better without the aid of corrective lenses. While there are some drawbacks to eye laser surgery and the procedures available are not for everyone, this fast, painless and effective procedure is extremely beneficial for millions of Americans afflicted with vision impairment.
There are a number of visual impairments that afflict individuals. When an individual is required to wear corrective lenses to see accurately, they are known to suffer from a refractive error of which there are four:
When eyesight is perfect and does not exhibit any of the above errors, a personÆs eyesight is said to be emmetropic (Ehrlich 1999). While myopia and hyperopia are fairly familiar conditions, astigmatism is when the corneas are warped to some degree that impairs vision. This error typically results in blurred vision. Presbyopia is a very common condition if not immediatel...