Laser eye surgery is relatively new. In 1995 The FDA approved the use of the laser as a surgical tool. Initially, only trained surgeons experienced in laser surgery and in the operation of the laser performed laser surgeries. As successful outcomes became known, more people began to inquire about the procedure and there was increased demand for laser eye surgery. New techniques were developed allowing some individuals to participate in planning their laser corrective eye surgery.

Affordable for everyone, laser corrective eye surgery continues to be popular as many people anticipate good vision without wearing glasses or contact lenses. The number of people utilizing corrective eye surgery continues to grow. As people hear the news of continuous success with corrective eye surgery, they realize there is a genuine benefit for people who seek this laser vision eye corrective surgery. The benefits are phenomenal, the procedure is reasonable, while at the same time, it is affordable.

Understanding medical terminology can help to define and explain laser vision corrective eye surgery. Surgery of the eye is referred to as "ophthalmic surgery" or "ocular surgery". "Refractive surgery" indicates a procedure in which an incision is made to reshape or "refract" the cornea and the incision may or not be made with a laser. Laser corrective eye surgery is not necessarily the same as "refractory surgery". With the use of the laser, a new type of surgery was born, with some new terminology.

Laser vision corrective eye surgery has become very popular because of its efficacy. It has been used to correct many problems that affect vision and the eye. The use of laser surgery has been instrumental in the treatment of cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. These problems often affect the vision of the elderly. Since many people have been living longer, there has been increased need for treatment of the eyes.

Cataracts produce a clouding of vision or the lens of the eye. This distorts the vision and produces "legal blindness". With laser surgery, cataracts are reshaped "clouds' or film are removed, and the environment is changed. This corrects the problem and the person can see again.

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which there is pressure in the eye, which can lead to blindness. Immediate treatment by a doctor is imperative. Waiting to seek treatment can prove disastrous. About 3 million Americans have glaucoma. Laser surgery may relieve the pressure, stopping the symptoms.

The leading cause of blindness in the elderly (those 65 of age and older) today is macular degeneration. In the disease the retina breaks down or "regenerates". The result is "tunnel vision" as much of the pathway for vision becomes obstructed. Laser surgery can treat macular degeneration, but it cannot cure it. Symptoms can be controlled, but the process cannot be entirely stopped. There is no known cure for macular degeneration.