Refractive surgery is the term used to describe surgical procedures that correct common vision problems (near-sightedness, far-sightedness and presbyopia) to reduce your dependence on prescription glasses or contact lenses.

For people who are nearsighted, certain refractive surgery techniques will reduce the curvature of a cornea so that the eye's focussing power is lessened.

Farsighted people will have refractive surgery procedures that achieve a steeper cornea to increase the eye's focusing power.

Refractive surgery might be a good option for you if you:

• Want to decrease your dependence on glasses or contact lenses
• Are free of eye disease
• Accept the inherent risks and potential side effects
• Acknowledge that you still may be required to wear glasses or contact lenses after the surgery.
The best option for you will be decided once you have consulted with your ophthalmologist.