Refractive treatment refers to a set of medical procedures designed to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia. These treatments aim to reduce or eliminate a person’s dependence on corrective lenses like glasses or contact lenses.
Refractive treatments reshape the cornea — the clear front surface of the eye — so that light entering the eye is properly focused onto the retina. This improves clarity and sharpness of vision.
There are several types of refractive treatments available:
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): A precise laser reshapes the cornea to improve focus. Ideal for mild to moderate prescriptions.
Quick recovery, minimal discomfort, high success rate.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): A minimally invasive laser technique using a small keyhole incision. Less dry eye, flapless recovery, suitable for active lifestyles.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratomy): Similar to LASIK but without a corneal flap (preferred for thinner corneas). Safe & effective for individuals who may not qualify for LASIK due to thin corneas
RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange): Removes the eye’s natural crystalline lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens (IOL). For vision correction rather than the removal of cataract
Contoura Vision: An advanced topography-guided LASIK offering personalized correction based on the eye’s surface contour. Sharper visual quality, especially in night vision and contrast.
| Feature | LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) | PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) | SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technique | Flap created; cornea reshaped underneath | No flap; surface laser applied to reshape cornea | Small laser incision; lenticule removed without flap |
| Ideal For | Mild–moderate prescriptions | Thin corneas, active lifestyles, dry eyes | Mild–moderate myopia and astigmatism |
| Discomfort Level | Minimal | Moderate | Very minimal |
| Post-op Vision Stability | Rapid (24–48 hours) | Gradual (up to a week or more due to epithelial healing) | Rapid (24–48 hours) |
| Flap-Related Risks | Yes | None | None |
| Technology Used | Excimer laser + femtosecond laser | Excimer laser | Femtosecond laser only |
LASIK is a popular outpatient refractive surgery. It uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornes. It involves the removal of the cornea or the clear front surface of the eye . Through change of corneal curvature by the excimer laser, proper focusing of the light entering the eye falls on the retina- thus giving rise to an improved clarity in sight.
How does the LASIK Surgery Work?
Two laser-guided steps are created for accuracy, speed, and comfort.
Thereafter:
Flap Repositioning: The flap should then easily without stitches be put back into place, to adhere naturally during the healing process.
Ideal Candidates
Benefits of LASIK
Limitations and Risks
The risks are of the same nature as those from all other surgical operations.
Post-Surgery Care
Aftercare is important in maximizing results.
No. The procedure is virtually painless. Numbing eye drops are used, and most patients report only mild pressure during surgery and minor irritation afterward.
The actual laser correction takes only a few minutes per eye, and the full procedure is typically completed within 20 minutes.
Yes, the vision correction is permanent, but natural age-related changes like presbyopia may still require reading glasses later in life.
Yes. LASIK effectively treats astigmatism by smoothing out irregular corneal curvature.
Long-term complications are rare. Some people experience dry eyes or night glare initially, but these usually resolve over time.
If needed, enhancement procedures can be performed to fine-tune vision, usually years after the initial surgery.
A next-generation, flapless laser vision correction technique for myopia and astigmatism.
SMILE is a minimally invasive refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea using a femtosecond laser to correct nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, SMILE does not require a corneal flap. Instead, a small disc of tissue (lenticule) is created and removed through a tiny incision, improving the eye’s focusing power.
Precise, single-laser correction performed through a micro-incision.
Best suited for active adults with moderate myopia or astigmatism.
Flapless, comfortable, and clinically effective.
Yes. Clinical studies show SMILE provides comparable results for treating myopia and astigmatism with fewer dry eye complaints.
No. The procedure is painless thanks to numbing eye drops. Some patients experience slight pressure but no sharp pain.
Currently, SMILE is FDA-approved primarily for myopia and astigmatism—not for hyperopia (farsightedness).
Side effects are rare but may include temporary glare, halos, or visual fluctuations. Serious complications are uncommon.
A surface-based laser vision correction technique ideal for patients with thin corneas or active lifestyles.
PRK is a type of refractive surgery that corrects vision by reshaping the cornea using an excimer laser. It is the predecessor to LASIK but remains a safe and effective option, especially for individuals who may not qualify for LASIK due to thin corneas, dry eyes, or high-risk occupations.
Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the surface layer of the cornea (epithelium) is gently removed before the laser reshaping takes place. The epithelium regenerates naturally during recovery.
A no-flap, surface laser technique offering precise and permanent correction.
Especially suitable when LASIK or SMILE isn’t the best fit.
Time-tested technology with long-term safety and reliability.
Yes. PRK and LASIK deliver similar long-term vision results, although PRK has a longer initial recovery period.
Absolutely. PRK is effective for correcting astigmatism, along with nearsightedness and farsightedness.
PRK is considered very safe. Long-term complications are rare but may include haze or slight night glare in a small percentage of patients.
Very likely. PRK is often recommended for patients who are unsuitable for LASIK due to corneal thickness or other risk factors.
A vision correction procedure that replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one—ideal for age-related vision changes.
RLE, also known as lens replacement surgery or clear lens extraction, involves removing the eye’s natural crystalline lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL) to correct refractive errors such as presbyopia, severe farsightedness (hyperopia), or early cataracts.
Unlike LASIK, PRK, or SMILE—which reshape the cornea—RLE focuses on the lens inside the eye. It is nearly identical to modern cataract surgery and is best suited for patients over 40 who are seeking permanent vision correction and lens clarity.
A lens-based approach that corrects vision at its source.
A future-proof solution for aging eyes and refractive errors.
The procedure is nearly identical, but RLE is performed before a cataract develops, primarily for vision correction rather than cataract removal.
Many patients enjoy a glasses-free lifestyle, especially with multifocal or accommodating IOLs. However, some may still need reading glasses depending on lens choice.
Yes. RLE is considered very safe and is performed using techniques similar to cataract surgery, which has a long-established safety record.
Contoura Vision is a laser eye surgery that seeks to correct refractive errors with the precision of laser beams. In stark contrast to traditional LASIK techniques, the Contoura Vision gives a unique treatment personalized to the patient by mapping a whopping 22,000 points on the cornea, leading to vision that is much sharper and appears more natural.
To begin with, a detailed diagnostics using TopoGuided® technology is employed that analyzes the topography of the corneal surface and any visual distortions that may be present. Data collected from the assessment ultimately helps develop an individualized laser profile unique for each side.
A detailed consultation with a refractive surgeon is essential to confirm candidacy.
Yes. Contoura Vision is a more advanced, topography-guided LASIK technique. It not only corrects your prescription but also addresses corneal irregularities for better visual outcomes.
No. The procedure is completely painless. Numbing eye drops ensure comfort throughout, and most patients report only mild pressure or a tickling sensation during the treatment.
Most patients can return to work within 2–3 days post-surgery, though this may vary slightly based on healing and your profession’s visual demands.
