Refractive Surgery Procedures Research Articles

Refractive Surgery Patient Characteristics Associated With Satisfaction Scores.

To determine factors influencing patient satisfaction scores in recipients of refractive surgery. In this prospective survey-based study, patients who had refractive surgery at an outpatient refractive clinic completed a survey of selected questions from the Press Ganey survey and the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25. Correlation between patient-specific variables and survey questions were assessed using Student's t-tests. Fifty-three patients were recruited over a 3-year period. Most were male (55%) and middle aged (mean age: 34 years). Eleven percent underwent photorefractive keratectomy surgery and the rest had laser in situ keratomileusis, with no complications. Twenty-four percent of surveyed patients reported mild to moderate eye pain postoperatively, with the rest reporting no pain. All patients reported a full score for overall satisfaction. This study found persistent high patient satisfaction score across a variation of characteristics, suggesting that optimal scores are mainstay after refractive surgery procedures with excellent visual outcomes, independent of patient clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. [J Refract Surg. 2024;40(8):e539-e543.].

Femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis versus small-incision lenticule extraction: current approach based on evidence.

Laser keratorefractive surgery achieves excellent visual outcomes for refractive error correction. With femtosecond laser, small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) is an increasingly viable alternative to laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Comparative studies demonstrate similar efficacy and predictability between SMILE and LASIK, making it difficult for clinicians to choose which to use. This review thus compares femtosecond-LASIK (FS-LASK) and SMILE in various scenarios, to assist clinicians in deciding which refractive surgery procedure to recommend. SMILE may be superior for highly myopic eyes due to a smaller decrease in functional optical zone. SMILE further induces less spherical aberration and less overall higher order aberrations in mesopic conditions. SMIILE also has less postoperative dry eye, making it suitable those with preexisting dry eye. For low to moderate myopic astigmatism correction, FS-LASIK has less undercorrection compared to SMILE. Lastly, SMILE has not yet received Food and Drug Administration or Conformité Européenne approval for hyperopic correction, rendering FS-LASIK the choice of procedure for hyperopic correction. Both FS-LASIK and SMILE demonstrate good efficacy and predictability. Understanding specific clinical scenarios where one may be superior to the other will aid clinicians in choosing the most suitable procedure for personalized care.

Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy-Review.

The type and nature of refractive surgery procedures has greatly increased over the past few decades, allowing for almost all patient populations to be treated to extremely high satisfaction. Conventional photorefractive keratectomy involves the removal of the corneal epithelium through mechanical debridement or dilute alcohol instillation. An improvement to this method utilises laser epithelial removal in a single-step process termed transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (transPRK). We explore the history of transPRK from its early adoption as a two-step process, identify different transPRK platforms from major manufacturers, and describe the role of transPRK in the refractive surgery armamentarium. This is a narrative review of the literature. This review finds that TransPRK is a safe and effective procedure that works across a variety of patient populations. Though often not seen as a primary treatment option when compared to other corneal-based procedures that offer a faster and more comfortable recovery, there are many scenarios in which these procedures are not possible. These include, but are not limited to, cases of corneal instability, previous refractive surgery, or transplant where higher-order aberrations can impair vision in a manner not amenable to spectacle or contact lens correction. We discuss refinements to the procedure that would help improve outcomes, including optimising patient discomfort after surgery as well as reducing corneal haze and refractive regression.

Prevention and Treatment of Persistent Epithelial Defects After Common Refractive Surgery Procedures.

To discuss the prevention and treatment of persistent epithelial defects after the most common refractive surgeries-photorefractive keratectomy, laser in situ keratomileusis, or small incision lenticule extraction. PubMed was used to search the medical literature. Persistent epithelial defects are infrequent after photorefractive keratectomy, laser in situ keratomileusis, or small incision lenticule extraction. In the authors' opinion, any persistent epithelial defect present at 1 week or beyond after surgery should be treated aggressively with a properly fit bandage contact lens, lubrication with non-preserved artificial tears, and treatment of any eyelid abnormalities, including nocturnal lagophthalmos. Consideration should be given for presumptive treatment for herpes simplex virus or varicella zoster virus infection. If the persistent epithelial defect does not close within 2 weeks, then other measures should be considered, such as autologous serum drops, topical losartan, amniotic membranes, and topical human recombinant nerve growth factor to limit corneal scarring fibrosis and microbial infection. Persistent epithelial defects are among the most feared complications of refractive surgery. Timely and aggressive treatment should be instituted to close the epithelium prior to the development of scarring fibrosis and/or microbial corneal infection. [J Refract Surg. 2024;40(2):e117-e124.].

Reliability and agreement of apparent chord mu measurements between static and dynamic evaluations.

To assess the repeatability and agreement of Cartesian coordinates and the length of apparent chord mu and pupil diameter measurements during static (Galilei G4) and dynamic (Topolyzer Vario) evaluations. IOBA-Eye Institute, Valladolid, Spain. Case series. 3 consecutive measurements per scenario (Galilei G4 and Topolyzer Vario under low mesopic and photopic conditions) were performed by the same clinician. The intrasession repeatability was assessed using the within-subject SD (Sw), the precision, the coefficient of variation, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The agreement was analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and the Bland-Altman method. Thirty-seven healthy participants were recruited. The Sw values for chord mu parameters and pupil diameter ranged from 0.01 to 0.03 and 0.08 to 0.21, respectively. The ICC was ≥0.89 for all parameters. Galilei G4 and Topolyzer Vario under low mesopic and photopic conditions provided significantly different measures of apparent chord mu length (0.23 ± 0.11 mm, 0.30 ± 0.10 mm, and 0.25 ± 0.11 mm, respectively, P ≤ .02), X-coordinate (-0.18 ± 0.12 mm, -0.27 ± 0.11 mm, and -0.21 ± 0.12 mm, respectively, P < .001), and pupil diameter (3.38 ± 0.50 mm, 6.29 ± 0.60 mm, and 3.04 ± 0.41 mm, respectively, P < .001). Y-coordinate values obtained by Galilei G4 and Topolyzer Vario under low mesopic conditions were significantly different (0.06 ± 0.13 mm vs 0.03 ± 0.11 mm, respectively, P = .02), in contrast to Galilei G4 and Topolyzer Vario under photopic conditions (0.05 ± 0.13 mm, P = .82) and both illumination conditions of Topolyzer Vario (P ≥ .23). Galilei G4 and Topolyzer Vario provide consistent measurements of apparent chord mu Cartesian coordinates and length, as well as pupil diameter; however, the measurements are not interchangeable. Ophthalmic surgeons should consider these findings when planning customized intraocular lens implantation and refractive surgery procedures.

Implantable collamer lens implantation (ICL) versus small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in low to moderate myopia: study protocol for a randomized, non-inferiority trial

BackgroundImplantable collamer lens implantation (ICL) is a form of ‘foldable’ posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens refractive surgery that generally does not impair cornea and natural accommodation. The potential advantages of the ICL over keratorefractive laser procedures include less induction of higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and enhanced retinal image magnification. On the other hand, small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), currently, one of the most popular refractive surgery procedures, also offers excellent visual outcomes, particularly for eyes with low to moderate amounts of myopia. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether ICL/TICL (toric ICL) is comparable to SMILE for low to moderate myopia in terms of refractive outcomes at 3 and 18 months post-operatively.Methods/designThis is a prospective randomized study. A total of 300 participants will be randomized into two groups, the ICL/TICL group and SMILE group. Eligible participants with spherical equivalent (SE) less than − 6.0 diopter (D) will be recruited. Following randomization, participants will be followed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. The primary outcome is the refractive predictability at every postoperative point after surgery, which is the proportion of the number of eyes achieving a postoperative SE within ± 0.5 D and ± 1.0 D of the intended target. Secondary outcome parameters include visual acuity, refraction, adverse events, and quality of vision measurements.DiscussionThis trial will provide information on whether ICL has comparable, if not superior, refractive outcomes compared to the established SMILE for low to moderate myopia, thus providing evidence for translation into clinical practice.Trial registrationChinese clinical trial registry (ChiCTR) 2200055372. Registered on 08 January 2022.

Recommendations for management of peripheral retinal degenerations.

Some degenerations involving the peripheral retina can result in a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Currently, there are no clear guidelines for retinal screening and/or management of these peripheral retinal degenerations in patients with or without recent onset posterior vitreous detachment or in those prior to refractive surgery or intraocular procedures. This article aims to provide a set of recommendations for the screening and management of peripheral retinal degenerations based on a common consensus obtained from an expert panel of retinal specialists.

MANAGEMENT CASE OF POST PHAKIC INTRAOCULAR LENS IMPLANT IN HIGH MYOPIA WITH COMPLICATED CATARACT AFTER VITRECTOMY: POST SURGERY CHALLENGES

Introduction: To highlight the therapeutic dilemma in managing complications in high myopia patient with complicated cataract after vitrectomy who previously had refractive surgery.&#x0D; Case Report: A 37-years old man, presented with half the right eye view was being blocked by a black curtain for one week before admission. He had a history of high myopia on both eyes and underwent phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) implantation 12 years ago. Presenting visual acuity (VA) of the right eye was hand motion (HM). Retinal detachment (RD) on inferior side, and clear lens with anterior chamber (AC) PIOL were found in the examination. Patient underwent vitrectomy, endolaser, and silicone oil in the next four days. A sudden severe pain with red-eye was found one month after surgery, intraocular pressure (IOP) was increased to 43 mmHg, the lens was white opaque with lens material seen in AC. &#x0D; Discussion: The diagnosis of traumatic cataract and lens-particle-induced glaucoma was made. Lens mass evacuation surgery was performed after initial antiglaucoma medication. Posterior capsule rupture was found intraoperatively with only a small amount of lens mass remaining. Visual acuity result after the second surgery is still dissatisfied with the presence of rubeosis iridis, with the possibility of retinal re-detachment was still present.&#x0D; Conclusion: High myopia still poses a greater risk of ocular complications. It can be corrected by refractive surgery, with expensive cost and it will not prevent potential future ocular problems. Repeated assessment before and after refractive surgery procedure is mandatory in order to prevent sight-threatening complications of high myopia which might lead to other blinding complications.

Risks and Complications Associated with Refractive Surgery

Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism (together called ametropia) are the top causes of vision impairement worldwide. Refractive surgery, surgical modification of refractive surfaces in the eye, are prominent solutions for treating ametropia. This study made a summary of the risks (poor refractive outcomes of either high residual ametropia after surgery or the postoperative development of refractive errors) and complications associated with seven refractive surgery procedures for ametropia. Risks and complications were summarized and discussed in categorized form, the incidence of each undesirable outcome in percent, rather than in quantified form, the severity of occurrence on average, help readers to identify the chances of undesirable results directly. The incidence of risks and complications were also stratified based on related factors, depending on the availability of data. Brief descriptions and analyses of the results of data summaries were included at the beginning of the discussion of the risks and complications of each refractive surgery procedure; specific data was also included to allow for comparison. In general, laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), laser-assisted sub-epithelium keratomileusis (LASEK), and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) procedure were found to yield few undesirable outcomes, while all seven procedures were crucial for the system of solutions for refractive errors.

Femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis with topography-guided or asphericity-adjusted derived data: a comparative contralateral eye study

BackgroundWavefront-optimized laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) ablation is the most commonly performed procedure in refractive surgery, but new technologies have become available. Our goal was to compare topography-guided (Contoura) and asphericity-guided (Custom-Q) customized ablation treatments for the correction of myopia with or without astigmatism.MethodsThis prospective, randomized, double-blind, contralateral eye study included 60 eyes of 30 patients with myopia or myopic astigmatism requiring femtosecond LASIK (FemtoLASIK) treatment. For each patient, one eye was randomized to undergo Contoura treatment, and the other underwent Custom-Q abaltion. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE), sphere (SPH), cylinder (CYL), 6.0-mm total corneal aberration root mean square (RMS), coma (COMA), trefoil (TREF), and spherical aberration (SA) were measured and analysed after a 1-year follow-up.ResultsThe UDVA was − 0.08 ± 0.06 logMAR in Contoura eyes and − 0.08 ± 0.05 logMAR in Custom-Q eyes (p = 0.309) after 12 months. Twenty-five eyes (83%) in the Contoura group and twenty-six eyes (87%) in the Custom-Q group had a UDVA of 20/16 at the end of 12 months, and 100% of eyes in both groups reached a UDVA of 20/25 or better. Ninety and 100% of eyes in the Contoura and Custom-Q groups, respectively, achieved a residual CYL ≤0.50 D (p = 0.237). No statistically significant difference was observed between the surgical techniques in the preoperative to 1-year postoperative changes for any of the parameters evaluated (MRSE, CYL, RMS, DEF, COMA, TREF, and SA).ConclusionsThe Contoura and Custom-Q techniques yielded excellent visual and refractive results, but the evidence did not reveal any clear differences between these two methods after 1 year of follow-up.Trial registrationReBEC - Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos [Internet]: Rio de Janeiro (RJ): Instituto de Informação Científica e Tecnológica em Saúde (Brazil); 2010 -. Identifier RBR-8rs5kt Myopia and Astigmatism Topography-guided Refractive Surgery by Contoura Method Versus Customized by Asphericity in Contralateral Eyes: A prospective Double blind Randomized Study. Available from https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-8rs5ktDate of registration: 02/03/2020 (dd/mm/yyyy).CAAE:96778718.9.0000.5192.Issuing authority: Plataforma Brasil.CEP:2.979.279.Issuing authority: HUOC.

Comparison of Central and Peripheral Contrast Sensitivity Between Healthy and Refractive Surgery Patients Using the Spaeth/Richman Contrast Sensitivity (SPARCS) Test.

To assess contrast sensitivity of central and peripheral vision with a newly developed, internet-based Spaeth/Richman Contrast Sensitivity (SPARCS) test in patients who underwent myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FSLASIK) refractive surgery in comparison with controls. In a retrospective study, a total of 186 eyes from 93 patients were analyzed: 62 eyes from 31 patients for each of the three groups under comparison. Patients who underwent a refractive surgery procedure and controls were evaluated using the SPARCS test. SPARCS scores were obtained for central and four peripheral areas (right upper, right lower, left upper, and left lower quadrants). Total, central, and peripheral SPARCS scores in patients with refractive surgery were compared with controls, adjusting for possible confounders. Multivariate and mixed linear regression models were used. Patients who had PRK had a lower score in all categories compared with the control group: by 5.9 points (95% CI: -9 to -2.8) in the total score, by 1.6 points (95% CI: -3 to -0.3) in the central score, and by 5.5 points (95% CI: -9.4 to -1.6) in the peripheral score. Patients who had FS-LASIK had non-statistically significant lower scores than the control group. PRK causes a decrease in central and peripheral contrast sensitivity. [J Refract Surg. 2022;38(2):128-133.].

Axial length growth difference between eyes after monocular laser refractive surgery: eight patients who underwent myopic laser ablation for both eyes at intervals of several years

BackgroundMyopia is a global public health issue. Controlling myopia progression is a primary focus of myopia studies today. Peripheral retinal myopic defocus is considered the mechanism for reduced myopia progression in orthokeratology studies. The topographic change in the front corneal surface after laser refractive surgery and orthokeratology procedures may appear similar. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of myopic laser ablation on axial length (AL) growth.MethodsMyopic patients who underwent monocular excimer laser refractive surgery first in one eye and then in another eye several years later because of myopia occurrence or myopia progression were recruited. The axial length elongation and refraction (spherical equivalent) between the two eyes were observed and compared.ResultsA total of 8 myopic patients were enrolled in the study. The AL increased from 24.52 ± 0.96 mm to 24.68 ± 1.03 mm but without significance (T = 1.49, P > 0.05) in the ablated eyes. The AL increased significantly from 23.73 ± 0.91 mm to 24.26 ± 0.95 mm in the nonablated eyes (T = 6.76, P < 0.001). The AL elongation of the ablated eyes with 0.16 ± 0.30 mm growth was significantly lower than that of the nonablated eyes with 0.53 ± 0.32 mm growth (T = 8.98, P < 0.001). The spherical equivalent (SE) increased significantly in the ablated eyes (− 0.59 ± 0.21 (D), T = 6.36, P < 0.001) and in the nonablated eyes (− 0.97 ± 0.55 (D), T = 4.91, P < 0.01), and the difference between the two eyes was significant (T = 3.05, P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe inhibitory effect of myopic laser ablation on AL elongation reported in the limited case studies argues for animal research on its efficacy as a new intervention for myopia progression.

Spherical aberration for expanding depth of focus.

The increase in the depth of focus (DoF) for the treatment of presbyopia or cataracts is a topic of great interest for anterior segment surgeons who have seen how new surgical possibilities to achieve DoF enlargement have emerged. Nowadays, several technologies to extend the DoF are available, from corneal laser refractive surgery procedures in presbyopia to intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in cataract or refractive lens exchange. Some of these procedures are based on aspheric profiles, either in the cornea or in the IOL, which modulate the spherical aberration (SA) and, therefore, extend the light energy on different focal planes. The aim of this narrative review was to give an overall picture about the reasons why there is not a general solution persistent along time of SA induction to extend DoF, especially considering that SA depends on pupil diameter and this decreases with age.

Assessment of the correlation of the tear breakup time with quality of vision and dry eye symptoms after SMILE surgery

PurposeIt is well reported that dry eye symptoms can increase after many refractive surgery procedures. This study aims to provide a clinical understanding of the correlation of fluorescein tear film breakup time (FTBUT) with quality of vision (QoV) and dry eye symptoms following small incision lenticule extraction surgery (SMILE).MethodsPatients electing to have SMILE surgery were subdivided into 2 groups: Group 1 included short preoperative FTBUTs of 3 to 6 seconds (s); Group 2 included long FTBUTs of ≥ 8 s. Uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, manifest refraction, FTBUT, QoV and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaires were recorded 1 and 6 months postoperatively.ResultsThirty-nine subjects were included in each group. There was no significant difference in visual outcomes between the 2 groups at both the 1- and 6-month postoperative assessments. FTBUT remained significantly lower in group 1. Oxford staining was initially higher for group 1 at 1 month (P = 0.007), but there was no significant difference at 6 months (P = 0.180). There was no significant difference in QoV or OSDI scores between the 2 groups at both postoperative visits.ConclusionsLow preoperative FTBUT (3–6 s) does not appear to negatively affect postoperative visual outcomes or results in a greater likelihood of dry eye symptoms and poor ocular surface compared to eyes with a longer preoperative FTBUT. These results suggest that a low preoperative FTBUT does not necessarily increase the likelihood of poor visual acuity, dry eyes symptoms, or poor ocular surface outcomes following SMILE surgery.

Neurotrophic keratopathy and refractive surgery.

Corneal nerve function is an important consideration for the refractive surgeon. In patients without a history of neuropathy, refractive surgery can lead to destruction of corneal nerves and may predispose to keratopathy. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the effect of refractive surgery on corneal nerve function and the potential for an increased risk of neurotrophic keratopathy development. Recent studies have reinforced that refractive surgery can cause anatomical and functional changes in corneal nerve function. Among the most commonly performed refractive surgery procedures are Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis, Photorefractive Keratectomy, and Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. Due to differences in technique, these procedures can have varying effects on corneal nerve structure. Using in vivo confocal microscopy, postrefractive patients were found to have decreased total nerve density when compared with controls in the immediate postoperative period. In some studies, patients have been shown to undergo re-innervation and regain significant amounts of nerve function. The majority of studies have found that despite decreased nerve cell density, long-term outcomes of refractive surgery patients are generally favorable. However, loss of corneal nerve function can lead to a variety of serious effects ranging from dry eye disease, corneal hypoesthesia/anesthesia, neuropathic pain, to neurotrophic keratopathy and ulceration in the rare cases. Neurotrophic keratopathy is a rare occurrence after keratorefractive surgery and is largely due to damage to corneal nerves. Proper patient selection and counseling are essential to decrease the risk of development of this devastating complication.

Biomechanical responses of the cornea after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) refractive surgery based on a finite element model of the human eye.

To investigate the biomechanical responses of the human cornea after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) procedures, especially their effects of SMILE surgery on stress and strain. Based on finite element analysis, a three-dimensional (3D) model of the human eye was established to simulate SMILE refractive surgery procedures. Stress and strain values were calculated by inputting the intraocular pressure (IOP). After SMILE refractive surgery procedures, the stress and strain of the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces were significantly increased. The equivalent stress and strain on the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces increased with increasing diopter and were concentrated in the central area, whereas the values of stress and strain at the incision site on the anterior surface of the cornea were approximately 0. Compared with the anterior corneal surface, the stress and strain of the posterior surface were larger. Increasing IOP caused an approximately linear change in stress and a nonlinear increase in corneal strain. In addition, we found that the incision sizes and direction had less of an influence on stress and strain. In summary, SMILE surgery increased the equivalent stress and strain on the human cornea. The equivalent stress and strain of the anterior and posterior human corneal surfaces increased after SMILE refractive surgery; these increases were particularly noticeable on the posterior surface of the cornea.

Refractive surgery and dry eye disease

Dr Alberto Recchioni discusses the potential for modern refractive surgery procedures to cause dry eye and shares data to support an argument for introducing less invasive procedures to minimise the problem (C76913, one distance learning CET point suitable for optometrists and dispensing opticians).

Clinical experience with scleral lenses for correction of induced ametropia

We described clinical cases of scleral lenses fitting in patients with induced ametropia and have shown the efficiency of this optical correction. High functional results and comfortable use make scleral lenses the main optical correction method for patients with irregular corneas after refractive surgery procedures.

Clinical experience with scleral lenses for correction of induced ametropia

We described clinical cases of scleral lenses fitting in patients with induced ametropia and have shown the efficiency of this optical correction. High functional results and comfortable use make scleral lenses the main optical correction method for patients with irregular corneas after refractive surgery procedures.

Longitudinal Changes in Optical Quality, Spatial Vision, and Depth Vision after Laser Refractive Surgery for Myopia.

Laser refractive surgery procedures are efficacious at correcting myopia, but they result in long-term deterioration of optical quality that affects monocular and binocular visual performance. The study shows that the optical quality of the two eyes needs to be similar to optimize binocular visual performance after surgery. This study aimed to systematically analyze longitudinal changes in optical quality, high- and low-contrast logMAR acuity and random-dot stereoacuity before and after three refractive surgery procedures for correcting myopia. A total of 106 subjects (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, 40; photorefractive keratectomy, 26; small-incision lenticule extraction, 40) with myopia and astigmatism ≤1.5 D participated in this prospective cohort-based study. All aforementioned outcome variables were measured in both eyes pre-operatively and 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months post-operatively. Pre-operative myopic spherical equivalent of refraction (median [25th to 75th interquartile range], -6.4 D [-8.0 to -4.2 D] for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, -4.3 D [-5.0 to -3.5 D] for photorefractive keratectomy, -5.5 D [-6.5 to -4.3 D] for small-incision lenticule extraction) was corrected to within ±0.75 D of emmetropia in all cohorts up to 6 months post-operatively (P < .001). Higher-order wavefront aberrations, uncorrected high- and low-contrast logMAR acuity, and stereoacuity all worsened and remained so up to 6 months post-operatively, relative to pre-operative values (P < .001). Stereoacuity worsened with both interocular average and difference in the magnitude of higher-order aberrations, whereas logMAR acuities worsened only with interocular average of these aberrations (r ≥ 0.40; P < .01 for all). Although the refractive surgery procedures tested here correct myopia, they result in a sustained (up to 6 months) loss of optical quality and spatial and depth-related visual functions post-operatively. Both interocular average and difference in the eye's optical quality seem to impair binocular visual functions after refractive surgery for myopia.