REFRACTIVE EYE SURGERY: MODERN ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERSPECTIVES

Smotrich Evgeniya Alexandrovna, Kuznetsova Alina Sergeevna

Refractive surgery encompasses a range of medical procedures designed to correct refractive errors, which are anomalies in the optical system of the eye that affect its refractive power. In recent years, the field has expanded significantly beyond traditional laser correction techniques, exemplified by laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Emerging high-technology methodologies, such as small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), have revolutionized the field by eliminating the need for corneal flap creation and utilizing a single laser system. Concurrently, there has been a resurgence in the application of surface ablation techniques, driven by technological advancements that have enhanced their efficacy and safety profiles. The spectrum of refractive surgical interventions for presbyopia has also broadened considerably. In addition to novel ablation profiles and intracorneal implants, phakic intraocular lenses have gained prominence. Furthermore, improvements in the safety and effectiveness of lens replacement procedures have expanded the potential for refractive error correction in select patient populations. Refractive surgical techniques continue to evolve, with several promising avenues of research emerging. These include the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms for preoperative assessment of patients' refractive status, the implantation of intrastromal lenticules, and the ongoing refinement of intraocular lenses designed to achieve a more physiologically accurate correction of refractive errors.

Keywords:refractive surgery, presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism.