Refractive Surgery Primer for Primary Care
Abstract
When a patient expresses a desire to become ‘glasses-free,’ the conversation that follows can quickly become overwhelming. Patients often have a specific procedure in mind (most commonly laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis [LASIK]) and can become frustrated if this is not the primary option recommended. From the physician’s perspective, it can be challenging to simplify a vast array of options without confusing the patient. In this article, I aim to offer a simplified approach for navigating the many contemporary refractive surgery options. The goal is to provide both patients and physicians with an overview of the currently available treatment modalities and to elucidate the multiple variables that influence the surgical decision-making process, guiding the selection of the most appropriate surgery for each patient (Table 1).
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