Many people around the world rely on glasses or contacts to correct vision, but with technology today glasses and contacts are not the only way to 20/20 vision. The answer could be refractive surgery. Refractive surgery is an exciting way for those who have abnormal visual acuity to correct  their eyesight with rapid improvement of vision, extremely low level of discomfort, and rapid healing rate. The words, refractive surgery, refer to a surgical procedure, either laser or non-laser, that can improve the eye's focus by changing the shape of the cornea. The cornea is the clear dome on the front of the eyeball that refracts light entering the eye into the lens, which then focuses it onto the retina.
 

For you to have clear vision, both the cornea and the lens must focus light rays so that the light falls perfectly onto the retina. The retina then converts the light rays into impulses that are sent through the optic nerve to the brain, which we see as images. If the image is not focused properly, we will not see a clear image. This condition is known as a refractive error, hence the term refractive surgery.

There are three common types of refractive conditions; myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. All of which can be reduced or corrected by refractive surgery.

A key factor in determining your success with refractive surgery is knowing your eyesight and your lifestyle, as well as finding a skilled surgeon who fits your needs. Your doctor should know your visual needs and your history to be able to help you decide which procedure is right for you.