Refractive errors of the eye include myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. A range of laser-assisted surgical techniques that allow for reshapement of the cornea have been developed to correct these errors and eliminate the need for the use of corrective glasses or contact lenses. Such techniques include laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Both LASIK and PRK use an excimer laser for corneal reshapement, with PRK removing the corneal epithelium to access underlying tissue and LASIK allowing for access to the cornea tissue through a flap. SMILE is minimally invasive form of surgery reliant on use of a femtosecond laser for removal of the lenticule of the central cornea. The most suitable form of refractive surgery depends on the nature of the patient’s vision problems and assessment.