Refractive surgery is becoming more common. With over 20 million LASIK procedures performed worldwide to date and an estimated 2 million in the UK it is increasingly likely that you will meet patients in practice who have either had a refractive procedure, or who are considering treatment. This article aims to help you both advise prospective patients by understanding the types of refractive surgery on offer and identifying who is likely to be suitable for treatment, and to manage potential complications following refractive surgery.