Refractive surgery - Your options Today, over 65 million Americans wear glasses or contact lenses for the correction of refractive vision disorders.
Refractive surgery offers patients an alternative to corrective eyewear.
Both myopia and astigmatism prevent light from focusing properly on the retina at the back of the eye. Hence, all but the closest objects appear blurred. Refractive surgery actually changes the focal point and enhances eyesight. The decision for you to undergo refractive surgery and reduce your need for eyeglasses or contact lenses requires you to become informed about the different procedures, their risks and their benefits. It was first performed in Russia then performed in the United States in 1980.