2022-2023 Basic and Clinical Science Course™, Section 13: Refractive Surgery

Covers the science of refractive surgery and patient evaluation. This section also examines specific procedures in refractive surgery and their potential complications, refractive surgery in ocular and systemic disease, and accommodative and nonaccommodative treatment of presbyopia. In addition, the book includes information on lens implants.

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The Academy's Basic and Clinical Science Course™ is ophthalmology’s definitive source of clinical information. Practicing ophthalmologists and residents worldwide use the BCSC® to ensure the highest-quality patient care. Each of the 13 volumes includes up-to-date clinical knowledge, concise information, tables, self-assessment questions with answers, photos and illustrations and opportunities for earning AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

Beginning with the 2013–2014 edition, the Academy and the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO) have partnered to make the BCSC® the standard text for all European ophthalmology training programs. The EBO now recommends the BCSC® as the primary educational resource for European trainees and ophthalmologists studying for the annual EBO Diploma Exam.

Section 13 covers the science of refractive surgery and patient evaluation. It also examines specific procedures in refractive surgery and their potential complications, refractive surgery in ocular and systemic disease, and accommodative and nonaccommodative treatment of presbyopia. In addition, the book includes information on lens implants.

This section features a chapter focusing on small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), reviews advances in intraocular lens technology, and includes coverage of intraocular refractive surgery.

Deepen your understanding with eight original videos that demonstrate refractive surgical techniques, including the FDA-approved SMILE procedure.

Upon completion of Section 13, readers should be able to:

Explain the steps—including medical and social history, ocular examination, and ancillary testing—in evaluating whether a patient is an appropriate candidate for refractive surgery.
For surface ablation procedures, describe patient selection, epithelial removal, refractive outcomes, and complications.
For laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), describe patient selection, surgical techniques, outcomes, and complications.
Describe how intraocular surgical procedures, including refractive lens exchange or implantation of a phakic IOL, can be used in refractive correction, with or without corneal intervention.
Describe the different types of IOLs used for refractive correction.

Last major revision: 2021–2022