Recent advances in refractive surgery

REFRACTIVE ERRORS ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON ophthalmic abnormalities worl dwide and are associated with significant morbidity. Tremendous advances in treating refractive errors have occurred over the past 20 years. The arriv al of the excimer laser has,allowed a level of accuracy in modifying the co rnea that was unattainable before. Although refractive surgery is generally safe and effective, it does carry some risks. Careful patient selection, m eticulous surgical technique and frequent follow-up can avoid most complica tions. The experience of a surgical team can also affect the outcome and th e incidence of complications. The future should bring continued improvement in outcomes, fewer complications and exciting new options for treating ref ractive errors.