Refractive surgery for active patients: weighing the pros and cons.

Athletes who need corrective lenses may ask about refractive surgery. Radial keratotomy, photorefractive keratectomy, and laser in situ keratomileusis surgically alter the shape of the cornea. All three methods generally result in vision sufficient to pass a driver's test without corrective lenses. A thorough patient evaluation and education about risks must be undertaken before an active patient undergoes any type of refractive surgery.