Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Refractive Eye Surgeries Among Adults in the United Arab Emirates

Background and aim Refractive errors (REs) are a leading cause of visual impairment globally. Surgical correction methods like laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK), and small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) are available in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but public acceptance and understanding remain inconsistent. This study aims to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding refractive surgery among adults in the UAE and to explore demographic and experiential factors influencing surgical uptake and perception. Methods A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study targeting UAE residents aged 18 and above was designed, consisting of a self-administered online survey, available in English and Arabic. It was used to gather data on demographics, vision correction behaviors, awareness of refractive procedures, and surgery-related experiences and beliefs. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted using SPSS v26. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results A total of 495 valid responses were analyzed. Over half of the participants (54.75%) had refractive errors, predominantly myopia. Awareness of refractive surgery was high (80%), with LASIK being the most familiar procedure. However, only 27.27% had undergone surgery. Among them, 70.37% reported full satisfaction, while dry eye and visual miscorrection were the most cited complications. Attitudes varied: 53.33% perceived surgery as a cure, while 35.76% expected reduced dependence on corrective lenses. Perceived safety and recovery expectations significantly predicted willingness to undergo or recommend surgery. Younger age, female gender, and higher education levels were associated with more favorable views. Multivariate analyses revealed that knowledge alone was insufficient to drive uptake. Satisfaction with outcomes, trust in providers, and perceptions of safety were more influential. Information sourced from ophthalmologists or educational institutions was linked to more accurate expectations, while social media and peer influence were associated with uncertainty or misconceptions. Conclusions Although awareness of refractive surgery is widespread among UAE adults, misconceptions, safety concerns, and variable trust in the procedure limit its broader acceptance. Tailored public health messaging, professional-led education, and improved access to evidence-based information are critical to addressing these barriers. Understanding the sociocultural and psychological drivers behind surgical decisions can inform strategies to enhance informed uptake and satisfaction with refractive care in the UAE and similar contexts.