RSC Marks 2025 a “Year of Innovation”
Latest FDA Clearances and Next-generation Devices Broaden Options for Adults of All Ages Seeking Freedom from Glasses and Contacts
DALLAS, Nov. 12, 2025 — The Refractive Surgery Council (RSC), the leading voice in refractive surgery education and advocacy, today reflects on 2025 as a “Year of Innovation” in vision correction, citing a wave of FDA approvals and technological advances that make excellent vision possible for more people than ever.
This year’s innovations include ray-tracing guidance in LASIK treatments, next-generation excimer laser systems, and the wider availability of implantable and light-adjustable intraocular lenses. Together, these advances significantly expand the range of safe and effective treatment options for patients across various stages of life.
“We’re in a transformative period where complementary vision correction technologies deliver impressive customization and precision,” said Jim Wachtman, RSC Chairman. “Combined, these innovations give millions more Americans the option to enjoy life with clear vision without relying on glasses and contacts.”
2025 Technologies Transforming Vision Correction
Ray tracing for advanced personalization in laser vision correction.
For the first time in the U.S., surgeons can offer personalized LASIK treatments using ray tracing technology. By modelling the eye’s entire optical system from cornea to retina, ray tracing gives surgeons the ability to create a high-fidelity “digital twin” to optimize treatments before surgery. Early clinical research[1],[2] on the safety and effectiveness of LASIK enhanced with ray tracing technology reports outstanding visual outcomes:
- 100% of patients achieved 20/20 vision at three months
- 89% of patients resulted in 20/16 or better vision
Next-generation excimer lasers expand candidacy.
Newly cleared platforms treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism with faster ablation, finer tracking, and advanced profiles that enhance precision and safety. When combined with modern diagnostics, more patients who previously were not ideal laser vision correction candidates may now be eligible.
Visual freedom for a broad range of prescriptions via implantable lenses (ICL).
Biocompatible implantable collamer lenses placed behind the iris preserve corneal tissue and are well-suited for prescriptions ranging from -3.0 to -20.0 diopters[3]. ICLs are removable, offering flexibility as vision needs change and expanding options for those not suited to corneal laser procedures such as LASIK, SMILE, or PRK.
Premium IOLs reach new milestones.
Breakthrough multifocal and Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) designs deliver high light utilization, enhanced contrast in day and night conditions, improved tolerance to minor refractive error, and a continuous range of vision, setting a new standard for premium cataract surgery.
Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) technology modernizes cataract surgery.
The FDA-approved Light Adjustable Lens allows post-operative, UV-light fine-tuning so patients can evaluate their vision in real-world settings before locking in a prescription. Recent studies show 70% of nearsighted LAL patients achieve 20/20 or better without glasses, with more than 99% seeing 20/40 or better.
Comprehensive Solutions Across the Lifespan
Young Adulthood (20s–30s): Personalized LASIK, SMILE, PRK, and ICLs
Middle Age (40s–50s): Presbyopia options including monovision laser vision correction and refractive lens exchange
Mature Years (60+): Advanced cataract surgery with LAL, EDOF, and multifocal premium lenses
“As a refractive surgeon who started his career with incisional corneal surgery, progressing to an FDA investigator with the excimer laser over the last 20 years, participating in multiple investigational trials with new advanced technologies, I have been an eyewitness to the evolution of refractive surgery in ophthalmology,” notes Eric Donnenfeld, M.D. a leading refractive surgeon and RSC Advisory Board member. “Refractive surgery improves patients’ vision and their lives safely and effectively. The previous gold standard was to have patients see as well as with their glasses and contact lenses. Today, our goal with advanced technology is to have our patients see better than they did with glasses and to have the surgery be even safer than a lifetime of contact lens wear.”
Take Action: Consult a Refractive Surgeon
RSC encourages consumers to seek evaluation from a refractive surgeon, an ophthalmologist specializing in surgical correction of myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, and cataracts, to identify the procedure that best fits their eye anatomy, lifestyle, and visual goals.
Learn more and find a surgeon:
RSC Vision Correction Guides: americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/
RSC Find-a-Surgeon Directory: americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/find-a-surgeon
FAQ
Q1: What are the innovations in vision correction this year (2025)?
Ray-tracing enhanced laser vision correction planning, new excimer platforms, and advanced implantable and light-adjustable lenses. Combined with modern diagnostics, these innovations have broadened candidacy and improved personalization across refractive procedures.
Q2: How does ray tracing impact LASIK treatments?
Using detailed tomography and biometry measurements from high powered diagnostic devices, a digital model (“digital twin”) of the patient’s optical system is created. Then ray tracing is used to simulate how light travels through the patient’s unique eye model. Surgeons use this to plan and optimize the treatment before the procedure, supporting excellent outcomes and personalization.
Q3: How do newer excimer lasers affect safety and outcomes?
Modern lasers offer faster ablation, precise eye-tracking, and refined treatment profiles. Combined with today’s diagnostics, this enhances accuracy and may extend eligibility to patients previously considered borderline candidates.
Q4: Who should consider implantable collamer lenses (ICLs)?
ICLs are a strong option for people with a broad range of myopia (approximately –3.0 to –20.0 D) and astigmatism, thin or irregular corneas, or those seeking a reversible, lens-based alternative to corneal laser surgery.
Q5: What makes the Light Adjustable Lens different?
Unlike standard IOLs, the LAL can be adjusted after cataract surgery using targeted UV light. Patients can experience their vision in daily life and fine-tune it to their preferences before the prescription is finalized.
Q6: How do premium IOLs compare—multifocal vs. EDOF?
Multifocal IOLs provide distinct focal points for near and distance, while EDOF lenses extend a range of continuous focus with potentially fewer halos/glare for some patients. Your surgeon will match lens design to lifestyle needs.
Q7: Is surgery safer than long-term contact lens wear?
While any procedure has risks, modern refractive surgery has excellent safety records. Studies show the risk of sight-threatening complications from long-term contact lens wear is far greater than the risk of sight-threatening complications from refractive surgery[4].
Q8: What factors determine candidacy?
Age, stable prescription, corneal thickness/shape, ocular surface health, overall eye health, and lifestyle goals. A comprehensive exam with a refractive surgeon is essential.
Q9: How should I choose a surgeon?
Seek a board-certified ophthalmologist with fellowship training, significant experience in refractive surgery, and access to multiple technologies. Start with RSC’s Find-a-Surgeon directory.
Q10: What is the recovery like?
Most LASIK/SMILE/PRK patients return to routine activities within days (PRK can be longer). ICL and lens procedures typically involve very brief downtime. Your surgeon will provide specific timelines and recovery regimens.
Q11: How much does it cost?
Costs vary by procedure, geography, and technology. Many practices offer financing; HSAs/FSAs may apply. A consultation can provide a personalized estimate.
Q12: Where can I learn more?
Explore RSC’s consumer guides on laser vision correction, implantable lenses, and premium cataract options for evidence-based education and next steps.
[1] He G, Bala C. Ray-tracing-guided myopic LASIK: real-world clinical outcomes. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2023;49(11):1140-1146.
[2] Kanellopoulos AJ, Maus M, Bala C, et al. International multicenter, myopic and myopic Astigmatism femto LASIK, customized by automated ray-tracing ablation profile calculation: A post market study. Clin Ophthalmol. 2024;18:525-536.
[3] Packer M. The EVO ICL for Moderate Myopia: Results from the US FDA Clinical Trial. Clin Ophthalmol. 2022 Dec 6;16:3981-3991.
[4] Masters, Jordan MD*; Kocak, Mehmet PhD; Waite, Aaron MD. Risk for microbial keratitis: Comparative metaanalysis of contact lens wearers and post-laser in situ keratomileusis patients. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery 43(1):p 67-73, January 2017.