Gholam A. Peyman

Gholam A. Peyman
Born Shiraz, Iran
Residence Phoenix, USA
Nationality Iranian-American
Fields Ophthalmology, Engineering
Institutions Professor of Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Arizona, Phoenix & Optical Sciences at University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona
Emeritus Professor of Ophthalmology, Tulane University
Alma mater University of Freiburg, Germany, University of Essen, Germany
Known for Inventor of LASIK,[1]

Gholam A. Peyman, MD recipient of National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the nation’s highest honor for technological achievement, bestowed by the President of the United States, President Obama, on America's leading innovators [2][3] and a Hall of Fame[4] of Ophthalmology and retina surgeon who is also a prolific and successful inventor. Gholam Peyman is a member of National Academy of Inventors and has, thus far, been granted 149 US Patents[5] covering a broad range of novel medical devices, intra-ocular drug delivery, surgical techniques, as well as new methods of diagnosis and treatment. His most widely known invention to date is LASIK eye surgery,[6] a vision correction procedure designed to allow people to see clearly without glasses. He was awarded the first US patent for the procedure in 1989 (link to image of patent, below). In addition to the numerous other honors and awards he has received (please see section 4, for Publications and awards), in 2005 he was selected by a ballot among the more than 30,000 ophthalmologists around the world to become one of the thirteen living ophthalmologists inducted into the Hall of Fame of Ophthalmology.[7]

Life and career

Peyman was born in Shiraz, Iran. At the age of 19, he moved to Germany to begin his medical studies. He received his MD at the University of Freiburg in 1962. He completed his internship at St. Johannes Hospital in Diusberg, Germany in 1964 and at Passaic General Hospital in Passaic, New Jersey in 1965. Peyman completed his residency in ophthalmology and a retina fellowship at the University of Essen, Essen Germany, in 1969 and an additional postdoctoral fellowship in retina at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA School of Medicine in Los Angeles in 1971. Peyman held the position of Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the UCLA School of Medicine from 1971 and served as Associate Professor and then Professor of Ophthalmology at the Abraham Lincoln School of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago during 1971-1987.

Peyman held a joint appointment at the School of Medicine and also at the Neuroscience Center of Excellence at the Louisiana State University Medical University Medical Center in New Orleans during 1987-2000. During 1998-2000 Peyman held the Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Chair in Retinal Diseases. During 2000-2006, Peyman served as Professor of Ophthalmology and Co-Director, Vitreo-Retinal Service, Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. During 2006-2007 he was Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Arizona, Tucson with a cross appointment at University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences. He has been emeritus Professor of Ophthalmology at Tulane University since 2009. Peyman is currently Professor of Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix & Optical engineering at the University of Arizona in Tucson Peyman was awarded in 2013 an honoree Doctorate degree from the National University of Cordoba in Argentina.[8]

The Invention of LASIK Surgery and its improvements

In 1977, because of his interest in the effects of lasers on tissues in the eye, Peyman began evaluating the potential use of a CO2 laser to modify corneal refraction in rabbits. No prior study had existed on this concept. The laser was applied to the surface of the cornea using different patterns. This laser created significant scarring. His conclusions at that time were: 1) one has to wait for the development of an ablative laser and 2) one should not ablate the surface of the cornea but, instead, the ablation should take place under a flap in order to prevent scarring, pain and other undesirable sequelae. Peyman published the first article on this subject in 1980.[9]

In late 1982, he read an article from IBM Laboratories, published in Laser Focus, describing the photo-ablative properties of an excimer laser on organic material. This was very exciting information, but, unfortunately, Peyman did not have access to this laser, which at the time was new and very expensive By 1985 and beyond, many investigators were interested in ablating the corneal surface. However, because of his previous experience with the CO2 laser, Peyman wanted to avoid surface ablation in order to prevent potential corneal scarring and the pain associated with the removal of the corneal epithelium, necessary to expose the surface of the cornea. Therefore, in July 1985, he applied for a patent that described a method of modifying corneal refractive errors using laser ablation under a corneal flap. This US patent was accepted after two revisions and issued in June, 1989. Peyman performed a number of experimental studies evaluating the effect of various excimer lasers in collaboration with Physics Department of the University of Helsinki, Finland. Since he had purchased an Erb-Yag laser in the U.S., he evaluated the concept using this laser in vivo in rabbit and primate eyes and described the creation of a hinged corneal flap to enable the ablation to be performed on the exposed corneal bed, thus reducing the potential for postoperative scarring and pain.[10]

Always aware of the potential limitations of his invention, Peyman devoted considerable time and effort in subsequent years to ameliorating them. In order to improve the risk/benefit considerations of the LASIK procedure, he invented and patented a broad range of ablative and non-ablative inlays to be placed under the surgically created corneal flap. These inlays offered many potential advantages over the standard LASIK technique, the most significant of which is that the inlay procedure is reversible.[11]

Other Inventions and patents

Peyman's inquiring mind, coupled with his keen interest in engineering and pharmacology along with his in-depth background and experience in ophthalmology resulted, over a 42-year period, in a remarkable range of novel devices, improvements in surgical methods and revolutionary new treatment methods and modalities. A partial list of Peyman's most significant discoveries and inventions (with first publication date), many of which are still in use today, includes:

Eye wall resection (tumors) and biopsy

Glaucoma Pressure-Controlled Shunt

Development of the Field of Intraocular drug delivery
In the early 1970, Peyman investigated the blood ocular barrier, using Peroxidase as a tracer material, to image the site of the barrier in retina which prevented free diffusion of medication from blood in the eye. Because, at that time, despite the systemic antibiotics many eyes were lost after surgery or trauma due to infection, he initiated the evaluation of direct intra-ocular drug delivery. This method has now become an alternative route of drug administration to the systemic and topical medication that in majority of the cases do not cure the infection. Further investigations lead to the prophylactic or therapeutic intraocular administration of the non-toxic doses of numerous medications in the treatment of inflammatory and non-inflammatory diseases of retina in millions of patients. Presently, intraocular drug delivery is accepted and is performed routinely in the treatment of wet form of age-related macular degeneration, genetic and degenerative diseases of the retina.

Cancer Therapy

Drug Delivery

2013:

Laser in Ophthalmology

Remote controlled system for Laser Surgery:

Macular degeneration

Artificial Retina Stimulation

Quantum dots and Optogenetic for artificial retinal and brain stimulation and gene therapy

Adaptic optic phoropter for automated vision correction

Honors and awards

1973 Fisher Prize, Chicago Ophthalmology Society
1974 Advisor to the Na.onal Commission of Diabetes
1976 Honorary Member, New Zealand Ophthalmology Society
1979 Honor Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology
1981 Honorary Member, All India Ophthalmological Society
1982 Honorary Member, Paraguayan Ophthalmological Society
1984 Honorary Corresponding Member, Peruvian Ophthalmological Society
1988 Honorary Member, Latin American Ocular Angiofluorography and Photocoagulation Society
1989 U.S. Public Health Service grant EY07541 from the National Eye Institute the National Institutes of Health Services, Bethesda, MD
1989 Senior Honor Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology
1990 Honorary member, All India Ophthalmological Laser Society
1996-97 Included in first edition of The Best Doctors in America: Southeast Region
1997 Honor Award, Vitreous Society
1998 Included in fourth edition of The Best Doctors in America
2001 Gertrude Pyron Lecturer Award, Vitreous Society Annual Mee.ng
2001 ASCRS Innovators Award
2003 Life.me Achievement Award, Iranian Ophthalmology Society
2004 Paul Henkind Lecturer, Macula Society
2005 Hall of Fame of Ophthalmology [Reference: http://www.ascrs.org/Awards/Gholam-A-Peyman-MD.cfm]
2005 Pfizer/ARVO Translational Research Award
2008 Waring Medal, Journal of Refractive Surgery
2008 Lifetime Achievement Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology [REFERENCE: http://www.ascrs.org/Awards/Gholam-A-Peyman-MD.cfm]
2010 Iranian Ophthalmology gold medal
2011 National Highest Medal of Honor in Science and Technology (References: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/12/21/president-obama-honors-nation-s-top-scientists-and-innovators; http://www.uspto.gov/about/nmti/recipients/index.jsp)
2013 Distinguished service award UIC department of ophthalmology.
2013 : Health Hero Phoenix Business Journal
2013 : April 14Th Peyman innovation day, Proclaimed by Mayor Stanton Phoenix-AZ
2013: An honoree Doctorate degree from the National University of Cordoba in Argentina.[90]
2013: Elected to the National Academy of Inventors in 2013

References

  1. US Patent 4,840,175, "METHOD FOR MODIFYING CORNEAL CURVATURE", granted June 20, 1989
  2. http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/12/21/president-obama-honors-nation-s-top-scientists-and-innovators
  3. http://www.uspto.gov/about/nmti/index.jsp
  4. http://www.ascrs.org/Awards/Gholam-A-Peyman-MD.cfm
  5. United States Patent and Trademark Office
  6. US Patent 4,840,175, "METHOD FOR MODIFYING CORNEAL CURVATURE", granted June 20, 1989
  7. American Academy of Cataract and Refrac.ve Surgery (hep://www.ascrs.org/Awards/ASCRS-Hall-of-Fame.cfm)
  8. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA7hK0PXHA8&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DGA7hK0PXHA8&app=desktop
  9. Ophthalmic Surgery 11:325-329, 1980
  10. Ophthalmology 96:1160-1170, 1989
  11. Examples of these inlays can be found in US Patents: #6,203,538, granted March 2001, #6,217,571, granted April 2001, AND #6,280,470, all entitled, "INTRASTROMAL CORNEAL MODIFICATION";
    1. 6,221,067, granted April 2001, entitled "CORNEAL MODIFICATION VIA IMPLANTATION"; and others
  12. Ophthalmic Surg 3:29-31, 1972; Am J Ophthalmol 77:525-528, 1974; and Ophthalmic Surg 8:51-53,1977
  13. US Patent 4,138,191
  14. Arch Ophthalmol 86:548-551, 1971 and Surv Ophthalmol 17:29-40, 1972
  15. Am J Ophthalmol 80:767, 1975
  16. Irvine AR, O'Malley C (eds): Advances in Vitreous Surgery, Springfield, IL, Charles C. Thomas, pp 258-264, 1976 and In McPherson A (ed): New and Controversial Aspects of Vitreoretinal Surgery. St. Louis, CV Mosby, pp 169-175, 1977.
  17. Am J Ophthalmol 81:99-100, 1976.
  18. Ophthalmic Surg 7:96-97, 1976.
  19. Can J Ophthalmol 15:49-50, 1980.
  20. Arch Ophthalmol 100:1973, 1982.
  21. Retina 8:288, 1988
  22. Can J Ophthalmol 25:285-286, 1990.
  23. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 27:246-247, 1996
  24. Am J Ophthalmol 133:568-569, 2002
  25. Am J Ophthalmol 135:236-237, 2003
  26. Am J Ophthalmol 13:199-201, 2003.
  27. Arch Ophthalmol 98:2062-2064, 1980.
  28. Arch Ophthalmol 99:2037-2038, 1981.
  29. Arch Ophthalmol 99:327, 1981
  30. Int Ophthalmol 9:43-44, 1986
  31. Arch Ophthalmol 104:608, 1986
  32. Retna 4:129-131, 1984
  33. Can J Ophthalmol 21:269-270, 1986
  34. Retna 7:32-33, 1987
  35. Ophthalmic Surg 18:185-186, 1987
  36. Arch Ophthalmol 110:718, 1992.
  37. Arch Ophthalmol 90(3):235-8, 1973
  38. Int Ophthalmol 10:149-151, 1987
  39. Can J Ophthalmol 22:276-278, 1987
  40. Ophthalmic Surg 20:286-293, 1989
  41. Surv Ophthalmol 39:375-395, 1995
  42. Peyman GA, Retina. 2000;20(5):554-5
  43. Invest Ophthalmol 11:115-121, 1972
  44. Arch Ophthalmol 92:216-218, 1974
  45. Invest Ophthalmol 14:707-710, 1975
  46. Int Ophthalmol. 1986 Apr;9(1):29-36
  47. Ann Ophthalmol 9:479-484, 1977
  48. Ophthalmology 90:840-847, 1983
  49. Int Ophthalmol 14:101-104, 1990.
    • Many peer-reviewed publications, including: Am J Ophthalmol 76:343-350, 1973; Arch Ophthalmol 92:149-154, 1974; Ophthalmic Surg 5:34-39, 1974; Am J Ophthalmol 80:764-765, 1975; et al.
  50. Can J Ophthalmol 9:463-467, 1974
  51. Ophthalmic Surg 14:494-498, 1983
  52. J Am Intraocul Implant Soc 8:357-360, 1982.
  53. Can J Ophthalmol 9:463-467, 1974, Peyman GA, May DR, Ericson ES:
  54. Ophthalmic Surg 14:494-498, 1983, Haas JS, Peyman GA, Lim J:
  55. Ophthalmic Surg 18:726-727, 1987, Federman JL, Wilson RP, Ando F, Peyman GA:
  56. Med Eng Phys. 2012 Sep 21. doi:pii: S1350-4533(12)00252-4, Polyvás PP, Peyman G, Enikov ET. Trans-scleral tactile tonometry:
  57. Ophthalmic Surg 14:845-847, 1983 and Ophthalmic Surg 15:767-769, 1984
  58. Ophthalmic Surg 15:767-769, 1984
  59. Ophthalmic Surg 10(10):74-77, 1979
  60. Ophthalmic Surg 15:844-846, 1984
  61. Ophthalmic Surg 16:247-249, 1985
  62. Surv Ophthalmol 29:434-442, 1985
  63. Int Ophthalmol 8:193-198, 1985
  64. Rena 9:232-236, 1989
  65. Ophthalmic Surg 15:666-669, 1984
  66. Arch Ophthalmol 102:1618-1621, 1984
  67. Arch Ophthalmol 102:1750, 1984
  68. Arch Ophthalmol 103:840-841, 1985
  69. Retna 7:80-83, 1987
  70. Int Ophthalmol 12:151-154, 1988
  71. Retina 12:261-264, 1992
  72. Ophthalmic Surg 17:155-156, 1986
  73. Int Ophthalmol 12:105-107, 1988
  74. Surg Lasers 33:140-144, 2002
  75. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 27:1103-1106, 1986
  76. Ophthalmic Surg 19:252-256, 1988
  77. Int Ophthalmol 12:175-182, 1988
  78. Ophthalmic Surg 22:175-180, 1991
  79. Int Ophthalmol 16:109-113, 1992
  80. Ophthalmic Surg 11:325-329, 1980
  81. Ophthalmic Surg 15:496-501, 1984
  82. Int Ophthalmol 8:199-209, 1985
  83. Int Ophthalmol 10:213-220, 1987
  84. Int Ophthalmol 10:245-253, 1987
  85. Ophthalmic Surg 18:726-727, 1987
  86. Int Ophthalmol 11:159-62, 1988
  87. Int Ophthalmol 11:175-80, 1988
  88. Peyman GA, Tsipursky M, Nassiri N, Conway M. J Ophthalmic Vis Res. 2011 Jul;6(3):166-76
  89. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVf5clFGrdY

External links