History of Laser Eye Surgery

Ever since humans developed difficulty with sight we’ve been finding ways to correct it. Glasses have been worn for hundreds of years, but some revolutionary surgical work was to follow.
 
The Russians performed the first successful refractive eye surgery in the 1960s and 1970s; a technique called radial keratotomy. It involved making 16 little incisions in the cornea, all the way around like spokes in a bicycle wheel.
 
This allowed the cornea to flatten out slightly and helped near-sighted people to see objects in the distance without any glasses. It usually had good results and was used on thousands of people-although back then was quite invasive, and difficult to predict exactly how much the refraction would change.
 
In the 1980s, Jose I. Barraquer was the pioneer of more modern refractive surgery when he developed a process to remove a small piece of corneal tissue from the eye and freeze it so it became hard. It was then reshaped to a specific curve on a spinning lathe and reinserted back onto the patients’ cornea, with results more predictable than the older techniques. The amount of reshaping could be determined in advance depending on the patient’s vision issue.
 
When argon fluoride Excimer lasers were used to make computer microchips in the 80s, doctors discovered that it was possible to sculpt plastic very accurately using the laser. It wasn’t long before Ophthalmologists thought about using them to sculpt corneal tissue itself.
 
It was first used successfully on a blind eye (just in case), and then on a well-seeing eye in 1987. A computer was used to control the laser so the surgeon (T. Seiler) could reliably remove the exact amount of tissue from the cornea.
 
This technique of laser removal (ablation) of corneal tissue is highly effective; the technology is now state of the art and extraordinarily accurate. Millions of people have had refractive eye surgery in the past 20 years with great success.
 
The advances in the field of laser eye surgery have been astounding; not only can lasers be used with absolute precision; surgeons have learned ho to use biocompatible materials to allow insertion of flexible polymer lens in cases of Presbyopia, where the patient’s own lens has aged and become too stiff to allow proper refraction.
 
These days Laser Eye Surgery is some of the most technologically advanced, innovative and successful surgery in the world, with minute adjustments ensuring the procedure can be precisely tailored for every single patient. It’s safe, pain-free and affordable.
 
Learn more about the history of Laser Eye Surgery. Contact Optilase for a free consultation on +353 1 223 8821.

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Patient Reviews

Julie Kelleher
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Julie Kelleher
June 17, 2026

Life changing experience with optilase. Its been 6 months since my surgery and have no problems since day 1. The Cork clinic were outstanding from my very first consultation up until now. I have recently been discharged and have now 20/13 vision which i have been told is better than 20/20 vision which is absolutely insane as before I was -6 in each eye. Don't hesitate make that call to get the consultation. You won't look back 😀

Jamie Commins
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Jamie Commins
June 15, 2026

Very good

Brahim Bouya
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Brahim Bouya
June 12, 2026

Best decision I’ve made, highly recommend Optilase! My journey with Optilase actually started over a year ago with a free consultation. Due to the curvature of my eyes I wasn’t eligible for LASIK, but rather than turn me away, the team referred my results to the surgeon for advice and recommended I return in 12 months to check my vision was stable. That level of care and thoroughness from the very start really set the tone. A year later I came back, passed all the tests, and was approved for PRK. Every step of the process was explained clearly, the optician was precise and even gave practical tips like taking Omega 3 supplements to support recovery. On the day of surgery (30th April), I was nervous, but the team were incredibly reassuring from the moment I walked in. There were multiple checks, a detailed pre-op conversation with the surgeon, and a video walkthrough of the aftercare drops. By the time I went in, I felt fully prepared. The procedure itself took less than 2 minutes, I felt nothing. The technology is seriously impressive. Over a month on, my vision is transformed. It’s genuinely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you’re considering laser eye surgery, don’t hesitate and don’t hesitate to choose Optilase.

Aoife C
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Aoife C
June 12, 2026

Good experience, reassured during procedure and understood risks and all steps along way

Renata Gomes
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Renata Gomes
June 2, 2026

I couldn't finish the process without leaving a review for this amazing team. Thank you all for helping me see so clearly without needing glasses. This month marks 3 months since I had LASIK, and it has truly been life-changing. Wearing glasses always bothered me because I enjoy sports, and even contact lenses were often uncomfortable. The whole journey started with Clare Hegarty at South William Street. Thank you so much, Clare, for your care and attention. As a Senior Optometrist, you gave me hope. At first, the process seemed almost too easy, which made me a little nervous, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. Thank you as well to Thomas Materman. Your clear, simple, and direct explanation of the procedure made me feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. Thank you to the entire Optilase team. Three months later, it feels as if I never had surgery at all—except that I can now see perfectly. I have experienced no negative side effects, and I am delighted with the results. I highly recommend Optilase to anyone considering LASIK surgery.☘️☘️☘️

Blaithin Cox
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Blaithin Cox
May 30, 2026

Couldn't be happier with my experience of the Lasek eye surgery. I had consultations in St William Street and surgery in Carrickmines, staff in both clinics were friendly, professional, and excellent staff their job. I would recommend Optilase to anyone considering laser eye surgery.

Anne Beakey
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Anne Beakey
April 29, 2026

Staff are lovely here and provide a great service

Shane Guihen
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Shane Guihen
April 20, 2026

Couldn't recommend highly enough, everyone I dealt with, from the initial consultation, to the surgery and the after care were absolutely top class and a pleasure to deal with

Katie Corcoran
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Katie Corcoran
April 13, 2026

Excellent service. I found optilase really great to deal with- they were so professional and well organised before and during the laser eye surgery. They were also very friendly and the aftercare was great.

Roisin Mitchell
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Roisin Mitchell
April 7, 2026

I had a great experience and Optilase getting laser eye surgery, it was without a doubt the best money I ever spent and wish I did it years ago! I rave about it to anyone who'll listen. From my initial consultation to the surgery itself in Dublin and the aftercare in Galway I couldn't rate it highly enough. The staff were so professional, informative, friendly and attentative throughout the whole process. Extremely happy customer!

amnnau
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amnnau
April 3, 2026

Got my PRK surgery with optilase couldnt be happier! I was cared for in each step even post surgery, give me a call or message if you need referral

Amy Phelan
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Amy Phelan
April 2, 2026

Had such an amazing experience with Optilase in Cork. Such a brilliant team, they all made me feel so relaxed and explained everything so well. They reassured me so much on the day of my surgery, and I never felt rushed with any questions. I would highly recommend Optilase to anyone even considering laser eye surgery. I am the most nervous and skeptical person and it’s truly the best thing I ever did, there is honestly nothing to be worried about!! I had zero pain whatsoever and my vision was clear by that evening and 100% perfect the next morning, it’s truly amazing! Wish I got it done years ago. I have so much freedom now without contact lenses or glasses, it’s so hard to believe my vision is fixed!!

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