Refractive surgery is a category of surgical procedures designed to correct common vision problems, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism, by reshaping the cornea to improve how light rays are focused onto the retina. The most well-known type of refractive surgery is LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), where a laser is used to create a thin flap in the cornea, which is then lifted to allow another laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. Other procedures include PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), where the corneal surface is reshaped without creating a flap, and SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), which involves removing a small piece of corneal tissue through a tiny incision. Refractive surgery aims to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses, offering a significant improvement in quality of life. The surgery is generally quick, with minimal discomfort and a short recovery time, though patients may experience temporary dry eyes or visual disturbances as their eyes heal. As with any surgery, there are risks, including the possibility of under- or over-correction, glare, halos, or in rare cases, a loss of visual acuity.