Section 13 of the Academy's Basic and Clinical Science Course™ (BCSC®) covers the science of refractive surgery and patient evaluation. It also examines specific procedures in refractive surgery and their potential complications, refractive surgery in ocular and systemic disease, and accommodative and nonaccommodative treatment of presbyopia. In addition, the book includes information on lens implants.

BCSC Section 13 features a chapter focusing on small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), reviews advances in intraocular lens technology, and covers intraocular refractive surgery.

Deepen your understanding with 15 videos (sample) that demonstrate refractive surgical techniques, including the FDA-approved SMILE procedure. Both print and eBook users have access to the videos.

Upon completion of Section 13, readers should be able to:

Explain the steps—including medical and social history, ocular examination, and ancillary testing—in evaluating whether a patient is an appropriate candidate for refractive surgery

For surface ablation procedures, describe patient selection, epithelial removal, refractive outcomes, and complications

For laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), describe patient selection, surgical techniques, outcomes, and complications

Section chair: George O. Waring IV, MD

Last major revision: 2021–2022