BACKGROUND In the field of ophthalmology, laser technology is used in many basic and clinical disciplines and specialities. It has played an important role in promoting the development of ophthalmology. OBJECTIVE This article is designed to review the evolution of laser technology in refractive surgeries in ophthalmology, mainly focusing on the characteristics of the excimer laser applied in corneal refractive surgery. METHODS This article was performed based on a literature review and Internet search through scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. RESULTS The literature on excimer laser technology addresses the technical and physical aspects of excimer lasers including types, characteristics and commercially available lasers on the market. CONCLUSIONS The conclusion on this forum aims to help understand the benefits of excimer laser use in ophthalmology, with focus on correction of refractive errors.