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FS-LASIK offers customized ablation and rapid rehabilitation for myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopiaNew framework helps doctors choose the best vision correction surgery

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Key Takeaway
Consider FS-LASIK as a versatile option for customized ablation and rapid rehabilitation in various refractive conditions.

This mini review evaluates various corneal refractive procedures, including femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK), small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TransPRK), and phakic intraocular lens implantation. The scope covers conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia.

The authors synthesize the specific strengths of FS-LASIK, noting its utility in customized excimer ablation, rapid rehabilitation, enhancement flexibility, presbyopic planning, and hyperopic treatment. The review provides a framework for selecting the most appropriate procedure based on specific clinical scenarios and patient-centered needs rather than providing a direct ranking of the technologies.

Clinical relevance is centered on the selection of procedures for patients undergoing corneal refractive surgery. While the review highlights the versatility of FS-LASIK, it does not provide specific data on adverse events or long-term outcomes. The findings serve as a clinical guide for determining which procedure best fits a patient's specific refractive needs.

How this fits prior evidence

This review addresses a gap in the clinical selection process for corneal refractive procedures. While prior coverage has focused on the management of myopia in children, such as the use of 0.01% atropine to reduce axial length and the role of outdoor activities as protective behaviors, this review focuses on surgical interventions for adults and patients requiring refractive correction for myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia.

Deciding on the right surgery to fix your vision can feel overwhelming. Patients with common issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or age-related vision changes often have several options. This review looks at different methods to help doctors choose the best path for each individual patient.

One common option is FS-LASIK. This procedure uses a laser to reshape the cornea. It is known for allowing patients to recover quickly and offering flexibility for those who might need a follow-up treatment later. It can also be planned specifically for people with age-related vision changes.

Other options include SMILE, TransPRK, and phakic intraocular lens implants. While the review does not rank these procedures as better or worse, it provides a framework to help doctors match the right surgery to a patient's specific clinical situation. This helps ensure the chosen method fits the patient's unique goals and eye health.

What this means for you:
Different eye surgeries have unique strengths, helping doctors pick the best option for each patient's specific needs.

Common questions

What are the benefits of FS-LASIK surgery?

FS-LASIK offers several advantages for patients. It allows for rapid recovery after the procedure and provides flexibility if a follow-up treatment is needed later. It also allows for customized laser adjustments and can be planned specifically to treat age-related vision changes.

What other options are available for vision correction?

Besides FS-LASIK, other options include SMILE, TransPRK, and phakic intraocular lens implants. Each of these procedures can be appropriate depending on the specific clinical situation and the unique needs of the patient.

How do doctors decide which surgery is right for me?

Doctors use a framework to match your specific clinical scenario to the best procedure. They look at your condition, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, to decide if FS-LASIK, SMILE, TransPRK, or a lens implant is the best fit for your eyes.

Study Details

Study typeSystematic review
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedJul 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
Femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) remains a mature corneal refractive procedure, but its role is being reshaped by small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy, and phakic intraocular lens implantation. This Mini Review proposes a phenotype-centered expert framework, derived from the available literature, for considering when FS-LASIK’s strengths--customized excimer ablation, rapid rehabilitation, enhancement flexibility, presbyopic planning, and hyperopic treatment--may outweigh its flap-related and ocular surface limitations. Evidence is synthesized across visual outcomes, optical quality, ocular surface effects, corneal nerves, biomechanics, regression, epithelial thickness mapping, artificial intelligence-assisted screening, and evolving lenticule platforms. Rather than ranking procedures, the review outlines clinical scenarios in which FS-LASIK, SMILE, TransPRK, or phakic intraocular lens implantation may be appropriate.
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