What is the history of the excimer laser and laser vision correction?
Developed in 1976 by IBM, the excimer laser was originally used to etch computer microchips. Thanks to its extreme precision, the excimer laser soon became an attractive tool for other applications. In 1987, the first laser vision correction surgery was performed, and between 1987 and 1995 numerous laser manufacturers including VISX® and Summit Technology worked toward FDA approval to use the excimer laser in the United States, which was granted in 1996.
