Medical advances

Refractive surgery

Refractive errors are some of the most common ophthalmic abnormalities worldwide. In North America, 20% of people have some degree of myopia and almost 50% have hyperopia. Tremendous advances in treating refractive errors have occurred in the past 20 years. The arrival of the excimer laser has allowed a level of accuracy in modifying the cornea that was unattainable before. Although refractive surgery is generally safe and effective, it does carry some risks. Careful patient selection, meticulous surgical technique and frequent follow-up can avoid most complications. [CMAJ 1999;160(9):1329-37]