Here are some interesting LASIK eye surgery terminology and facts. If you are planning on having this type of surgery it is always good to familiarize yourself with it and the lingo. Dr. Jose Barraquer from Colombia in 1970 was the first person to develop the Microkeratome, an instrument that could cut thin flaps in the cornea and alter its shape. He is ultimately the one who made this type of corrective eye surgery possible. This type of surgery is very safe and painless. Patients experience very little pain and usually fully recover within 24 hours. Their vision is noticeably improved as soon as the surgical procedure is finished. Patients are awake during the procedure and do go temperately blind while their cornea is being worked on. This sometimes frightens patients but only lasts for a short period of time. Here are some terms for your interest. Laser-assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a form of refractive laser eye surgery. This type of procedure is performed by an Ophthalmologist and is designed to help correct vision. Microkeratome - A Microkeratome is a precision surgical instrument with an oscillating blade designed for creating the corneal flap in LASIK or ALK surgery Eye Surgery - Ophthalmic surgery or ocular surgery, a surgical procedure performed on the eye or its adnexa. Adnexa - Appendages of an organ. Refractive - The turning or bending of any wave, such as a light or sound wave, when it passes from one medium into another of different optical density. It is also the ability of the eye to bend light so that an image is focused on the retina, allowing the image to be sent to the brain for processing. In Situ - In situ is a Latin phrase used in many different contexts and means 'in place'. Keratomileusis - A procedure for the correction of the refraction of the cornea by removing a deep corneal lamella, freezing it, forming it to a new curvature, and then replacing it. Ophthalmologist - A physician who specializes in ophthalmology. Ophthalmology - Branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, functions, pathology, and treatment of the eye. Isn’t medical technology amazing? Just knowing that if you were born with bad eyes that you can go spend a few thousand dollars and transform your sub-par vision into perfect 20/20 should bring some ease to your life. To your heath and to your life – farewell!