Ophthalmology is a highly specialized field with surgeries ranging from 10-minute outpatient procedures to complex micro-surgeries. As of 2026, the field has seen a major shift toward AI-guided planning and minimally invasive “keyhole” techniques.

Here is a breakdown of the most common and advanced ophthalmology surgeries:

1. Refractive (Vision Correction) Surgeries

These procedures reshape the cornea or replace the lens to eliminate the need for glasses or contacts.

• LASIK: A laser creates a thin flap on the cornea, and a second laser reshapes the underlying tissue. Modern versions like Wavelight Plus now use 3D “digital twin” mapping of your eye for extreme precision.

• SMILE Pro: The latest “keyhole” surgery. Instead of a flap, a laser creates a tiny disc of tissue (lenticule) inside the cornea, which is removed through a microscopic incision. It’s preferred for patients with dry eyes or active lifestyles.

• PRK (Advanced Surface Ablation): No flap is created; the laser works directly on the surface. It is often the safest choice for people with very thin corneas.

• ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens): A permanent contact lens is inserted inside the eye. It’s ideal for high prescriptions that lasers can’t safely fix.

2. Cataract Surgery

The most performed surgery in the world. The eye’s cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial Intraocular Lens (IOL).

• Phacoemulsification: The standard method using ultrasound to break up the lens.

• FLACS (Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery): Uses a laser for more precise incisions and to soften the cataract before removal.

• Premium IOLs: Patients can now choose lenses that correct for astigmatism (Toric) or provide a full range of vision from near to far (Trifocal/EDOF), often eliminating reading glasses.

3. Glaucoma Surgeries

Designed to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) to prevent optic nerve damage.

• MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery): Tiny stents (like the iStent) are inserted to help fluid drain. These have much faster recovery times than traditional surgery.

• Trabeculectomy: Creating a new drainage “trapdoor” in the eye’s wall.

• Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT): A cold laser treatment used to stimulate the eye’s natural drainage—often used before or instead of daily eye drops.

4. Retinal & Vitreous Surgeries

These address the back of the eye and are often urgent.

• Vitrectomy: Removing the vitreous gel to repair retinal detachments, clear blood (from diabetes), or remove scar tissue.

• Retinal Detachment Repair: Techniques include Scleral Buckling (placing a band around the eye) or Pneumatic Retinopexy (injecting a gas bubble to push the retina back).

• Intravitreal Injections: While not a “major” surgery, regular injections of anti-VEGF drugs are now the standard for treating Wet Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy.

5. Cornea & Oculoplastic Surgeries

• Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty): Replacing a damaged cornea with donor tissue. Modern techniques like DMEK allow surgeons to replace only a single layer of cells rather than the whole cornea.

• Blepharoplasty: Surgery to repair droopy eyelids (Ptosis) that may be blocking vision.

• Strabismus (Squint) Surgery: Adjusting the eye muscles to realign eyes that are crossed or turned out.

Comparison of Popular Vision Procedures (2026)