Are You Considering Refractive Surgery?

It's imperative that you make a well-informed decision after researching comprehensive, unbiased and up-to-date information sources.

Today there are many variations of LASIK, and alternatives to LASIK, for you to consider. Custom LASIK and "all-laser" LASIK are commonly performed. But depending on your refractive correction and the physiology of your eyes, you may be best suited to other procedures such as PRK or epi-LASIK. There are also more non-laser surgical options than ever before to correct your myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

Reliable Information on LASIK and Other Surgeries

Consumer Guide to LASIK & Laser Eye Surgery provides complete information about LASIK, as well as FDA approved and investigational alternatives to LASIK.

Comprehensive news coverage of refractive surgery can be found at Refractive Surgery News.

A Message from the Creator of RefractiveSource


This website originally launched in 2000, when public interest in laser vision correction was high due to its novelty and life-changing potential — yet the available information seemed like it was dominated by promotional television infomercials, radio spots, and newspaper advertisements.

I realized that patients often had expectations about the procedure that significantly differed from reality. I felt that patients should have access to information about laser vision correction that was free of potential conflict; but I found that there were relatively few balanced sources of information.

With the Internet gaining public acceptance, I spent hundreds of hours developing RefractiveSource, to bring to light the benefits, risks, and alternatives about laser vision correction. This was a project driven by public service. Within a year, RefractiveSource logged over a million hits.

Eye care technology changes rapidly. I underestimated the demands of website upkeep to have content that paralleled industry changes. With my time divided between my San Diego optometry practice, industry consulting, and personal commitments, I established a partnership in 2007 with AllAboutVision.com, the leading eye care website for consumers, to update the information on RefractiveSource and enable readers to link to expanded information.

The result is that RefractiveSource's visitors will have access to updated, independent and impartial content, but in a manner that is sustainable due to advertising revenue.

Thanks for visiting!

Brian Chou, O.D., F.A.A.O.
San Diego, Calif.


AllAboutVision.com also provides information on refractive options such as eyeglasses and contact lenses; has extensive macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataract content sections; and educates consumers about topics such as pink eye symptoms and double vision. The site's Eye Care Practitioner Locator can also help you to find an optometrist.