Treatments and procedures
Refractive surgery
Refractive surgery aims to improve the eye’s focusing ability. Some procedures reshape the cornea; others involve placing a lens inside the eye.
Which options are covered?
The leaflet introduces SMILE, LASIK, PRK and alternative procedures. Suitability depends on your prescription, eye health, lifestyle and vision needs.
What should I expect?
Surgery may reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses, but you may still need them afterward. Each procedure has risks and possible side effects; no single method is best for everyone.
How do I decide?
Arrange a thorough assessment and discuss the benefits, limitations, risks and alternatives with your ophthalmologist. Glasses or contact lenses remain options. Read the sections relevant to your proposed procedure before deciding.
Explore this topic
Illustrated quick guide
A short, printable overview.
Full patient leaflet
Read the full information, including benefits, risks and aftercare where relevant.
Watch animation · SMILE
Opens the GCEO video page in English.
Watch animation · Femto-LASIK
Opens the GCEO video page in English.
Watch animation · LASEK
Opens the GCEO video page in English.
Watch animation · PRK
Opens the GCEO video page in English.
Watch animation · LASIK
Opens the GCEO video page in English.
Watch animation · ICL
Opens the GCEO video page in English.
Patient information supports discussion with your eye-care professional.