Refractive surgery is an extremely evolving field with a history of over one hundred years. The number of procedures to correct refractive errors has increased markedly since the introduction of the 'modern' radial keratotomy in the early 1980s. New procedures are described in every major meeting and several alternatives have fallen off over the past two decades. The fast expansion in concepts and technology of refractive surgery may cause some confusion for the clinician. Previous reviews were published to help classify refractive procedures and serve as reference for the 'keratospeak' language among refractive surgeons.1 Corneal ablations are the most common refractive procedures performed today.2 Corneal shape is modified by removal of stromal tissue with the very high precision of the laser. The 193-nm argon fluoride excimer laser is, by far, the most common laser used for corneal reshaping.3 A new solid state laser platform has been recently introduced in the market of corneal laser surgery.
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