Current Concepts in Refractive Surgery

Book excerpt: Refractive surgery is eye surgery to improve the refractive state of the eye and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. The most common type of refractive surgery uses lasers to reshape the curvature of the cornea. This book is a practical guide to the latest advances in refractive surgery procedures. Beginning with an introduction to the evolution of refractive surgery, the next section discusses pre-operative workup, patient evaluation, and decision making. The following sections cover different refractive procedures including corneal ablative, refractive lenticule extraction, lens-based surgeries, enhancements and retreatments, and presbyopia (a condition associated with aging). The final section covers a selection of miscellaneous topics such as bioptics, collagen cross-linking, intracorneal ring segments, incisional surgery, and challenging scenarios. Each section is highly illustrated and provides in depth detail on machines and laser platforms, surgical techniques, outcomes, and potential complications and their management. Key points Practical guide to latest advances in refractive surgery Covers numerous different procedures In depth detail on techniques, outcomes, equipment and complications Highly illustrated with clinical photographs and figures