[Refractive surgery: techniques and reliability]

Refractive surgery modifies anatomic properties of the eye, in order to improve vision without the recourse to optical devices. It includes corneal surgery (radial keratotomy, excimer laser keratectomy), intraocular surgery (artificial lens implantation) and scleral surgery. The level of satisfaction of the patients who have benefit from this surgery is usually high, but is related to the selection of the subjects, which depends on the motivation and also on the default to be corrected. Despite the continuous progress of that surgery, it is not devoid of risks and complications.