Like many great scientific discoveries, modern refractive procedures that involve reshaping the cornea began with an accident. A young boy fell while wearing his glasses, shattering them, and several pieces were lodged in his cornea . Upon removing the glass, the ophthalmologist was surprised to find that the boy’s vision had improved rather then diminished. He began researching how this could occur, and discovered that utilizing tiny incisions to reshape the cornea, making it steeper or flatter depending on whether the patient was myopic or hyperopic, the eye surgeon could improve vision. With this discovery, RK was invented. RK involves cutting slits in the cornea to correct vision. Although RK is not as predictable as modern LASIK, this procedure decreased dependency on contacts or glasses. Over 2 million people have received RK eye surgery.
Once the RK procedure was introduced into the United States, many advances were made, especially within the field of laser-assisted vision correction. It was discovered that the IBM excimer 
laser, originally used to etch microchips, could also be used to reshape the cornea. This procedure was first known as PRK. Laser assisted eye surgery was FDA approved in 1985. The PRK procedure involves using a laser to remove a small amount of the cornea surface and reshaping it. Following the treatment, a bandage contact lens is placed over the eye for one week while the eye heals.
After PRK, LASIK was developed. The main difference between PRK and 
LASIK is that instead of removing the top layer of cornea, a flap is created and folded back. The underlying surface of the eye is reshaped with the laser. The flap is then smoothed back over the eye and the procedure is complete. LASIK has become the most popular form of laser vision correction in the United States. Huge advances in techniques and technology have followed. While LASIK vision correction is the most favored, PRK is often the best choice for patients with thinner corneas.
At Cutarelli Vision, we offer both PRK and LASIK to decrease dependency on contacts and glasses. Dr. Cutarelli has preformed over 60,000 of these procedures. He is John Hopkins trained and has completed three fellowships (including one overseas). For those that have been told they don’t qualify for refractive surgery, we offer several LASIK alternatives. Dr. Cutarelli has extensive experience with IOL’s, Intacs, and many more types of eye surgery. Feel free to contact us to schedule your LASIK consultation in Denver or Fort Collins. (303) 486-2020 or (970) 225-2300.
