Indications, results, and complications of refractive corneal surgery with lasers

Large numbers of patients are being treated for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism using the excimer laser. For many patients who are treated for myopia and hyperopia, the procedure is elective and these treatments remain investigational. The use of other lasers for refractive surgery is at an earlier stage, with human trials commencing for infrared lasers. Animal studies are being performed for pulsed picosecond and solid-state ultraviolet lasers. The indications for refractive treatment should be clearly defined, although the results of laser application remain the subject of investigation. Complications of laser application to the cornea occur in the immediate, short-term, and long-term posttreatment period. A continual improvement in refractive results along with a reduction in complications remains the goal of laser refractive research.