Several methods have been designed to correct a refractive error. Among these are glasses, contact lenses, and refractive surgery. In all cases, what is achieved is the redirection of the light rays so that they focus properly on the retina.
Glasses provide good vision while they are being used. They have the limitation that as the refractive error increases, the lenses become heavier, thicker, and distort the image. Glasses do not cover the entire visual field (outside the frame of the glasses, there is blurry vision) and for some people, they are aesthetically undesirable. They are a good way to correct mild refractive errors.
Contact lenses allow vision correction across the entire visual field. They require discipline and dedication from the user as they must be cleaned and properly stored daily. They can cause a sensation of grit in the eyes or irritation and increase the risk of corneal infections. They allow the correction of moderate and high refractive errors without being as noticeable as glasses.
Refractive surgery allows vision correction across the entire visual field without the need to place foreign objects on the cornea. Once performed, there is no dependence on glasses or contact lenses to achieve adequate vision. It is not a mandatory procedure in almost any case but rather an alternative for the definitive correction of refractive errors in people who do not wish to use glasses or contact lenses. It allows the correction of mild, moderate, and high refractive errors without being noticeable at all.