Paraphrasing the ancient proverb, our eyes are windows that bring the world into our lives. Everyone depends heavily on their ability to see and as such vision problems have long been a source of frustration. Understandably, these problems have led to the development of many devices and procedures to help us improve our vision. But what good are those innovations if you haven’t heard of them or are unaware that they are available. The following is a little bit of history and statistics on what you could do
Improving Human Vision
Eyeglasses, which were the first successful vision-improvement devices, began to appear in Italy in the mid 13th century. However, glasses would not become practical for another 400 years, when lenses began to incorporate the principles of light refraction to improve clarity. We can see millions of people who have now taken advantage of this invention.
The first successful contact lenses were developed in the late 1800s. However, the early contacts created difficulties for their users despite their cosmetic advantage over eyeglasses. It was not until the middle of the 20th century that corneal lenses were developed. Instead of fitting over the entire eyeball, these lenses only covered the cornea, which is the part directly in front of the iris.
Cataract surgery was the first intricate procedure designed to improve human vision. It involves the removal of eye lenses that have become clouded. The procedure was practiced in ancient India and was refined over many centuries. A major advancement in cataract surgery came with the introduction in the 1940s of the artificial lens. Known as the intraocular lens, this prosthesis would replace the natural lens for the purpose of restoring the patient’s vision.
Modern Methods of Improving Vision
Many vision improvement procedures are available today that could not have been imagined even a few decades ago. The best known of these methods is laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, better known as LASIK surgery. The procedure has been used in the treatment of nearsightedness and farsightedness, and for astigmatic focusing problems. LASIK surgery improves vision by removing tissue from the cornea with the intense heat that is produced by a laser.
Photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, and laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy, or LASEK, are two procedures that are closely related to LASIK surgery but which are useful in cases where the physical condition of the patient’s eyes precludes the use of the more traditional treatment. Conductive keratoplasty is another technique used in the treatment of focusing problems. This method utilizes energy from radio frequencies sent through a probe to shape the cornea so that light will focus properly on the retina.
Approximately 12 million LASIK treatment procedures have been carried out in the U.S. alone, with a patient satisfaction rate of well above 90 percent. LASIK surgery, like that offered at Eye Lasik Austin, has literally helped millions improve their view of the world.
With all these innovations or procedures available to the general public you can be sure to get the vision that you’ve always wanted! All you have to do is go out there and get it!
