Refractive surgery: new options for visual correction.

Refractive surgery is now at the forefront of ophthalmological development and has proved to be a safe and effective method of correcting refractive errors. The incisions performed during radial keratotomy flatten the cornea to reduce or eliminate myopia. In keratomileusis, resecting and reshaping a portion of the cornea can correct either myopia or hyperopia when the cornea is sutured back into position. In epikeratophakia, donor corneas become "living contact lenses". They have the potential for correcting high degrees of myopia and hyperopia. Although there are controversial aspects to refractive surgery, most informed people consider that the benefits outweigh the risks for suitable candidates.