Eyes That See Better.

Oculoplastic and refractive surgery, procedures that use a laser or scalpel to change the eyes and improve them, began being used. Although I. G. Pallikaris reported the procedure in the Archives of Ophthalmology in 1991, the operations did not become commonplace until late in the decade. Oculoplastic surgery is reconstructive surgery of the eye and eyelid to change the function and structure of the lids, tear ducts, and eye socket. The most common conditions that this surgery treats are loose, droopy, or baggy eyelids, tear duct blockages, and eyelid damage from injuries. Refractive surgery changes the natural structure of the eye to alter its focusing power, which previously could only be changed by glasses or contacts; this surgery permanently eliminates the need for glasses or contacts. Although insurance companies declined to cover the cost of the operation ($1,500 to $2,000 per...