title: Refractive surgery.
abstract: This article presents an overview of the terms used in laser refractive surgery and identifies the benefits, outcomes, complications and shortcomings of these procedures. Even though it is 'fashionable' to have these procedures done, they are still largely experimental. Although there are benefits from these procedures, thorough screening and selection of all patients should be performed.
authors.affiliation: Sydney Eye Hospital.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: du Rand
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D007646:Keratotomy, Radial / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D018579:Patient Selection; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012030:Refractive Errors / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis; D054140:Refractive Surgical Procedures; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity