Refractive surgery is seen by many patients as a possible option for correcting their ammetropia and several options are available. This paper will look at the most popular forms of treatment: laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK). It will discuss the general suitability criteria and contraindications, as well as the treatment procedures, the potential risks and complications and the typical postoperative symptoms that a patient may experience.