Comparison of corneal shape changes and aberrations induced By FS-LASIK and SMILE for myopia

Intraocular lens power calculation using total keratometry and ray tracing in eyes with previous small incision lenticule extraction - A case series

Purpose

To assess the IOL power calculation accuracy in post-SMILE eyes using ray tracing and a range of total keratometry based IOL calculation formulae.

Observations

Ray tracing showed excellent predictability in IOL power calculation after SMILE and its accuracy was clinically comparable with the Barrett TK Universal II and Haigis TK formula.

Conclusions and importance

Incorporating posterior corneal curvature measurements into IOL power calculation after SMILE seems prudent. The ray tracing method as well as selected TK-based formulae yielded excellent accuracy and should be favored in post-SMILE eyes.

Ten-year outcomes following small incision lenticule extraction for up to -10Dioptres myopia

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

More than 6 million small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) procedures have been performed worldwide since 2011. Therefore, its long-term safety and efficacy should be investigated.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate 10-year refractive outcomes, corneal stability, axial length, and wavefront aberrations in patients who underwent SMILE to correct myopia.

METHODS

Thirty two patients (32 eyes) who underwent SMILE-based myopic correction. Corrected distance visual acuity, uncorrected distance visual acuity, corneal stability, axial length, and wavefront aberrations were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 month and 1, 5, and 10 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

At 10 years postoperatively, the safety and efficacy indices for the patients included in this study were 1.19 ± 0.21 and 1.04 ± 0.27, respectively. For 26 (81%) and 30 eyes (94%), correction to within ±0.50 D and ±1.00 D of the target was achieved, respectively. Over the 10-year follow-up duration, a mean -0.32 ± 0.56 D regression was observed (-0.03 ± 0.06 D/year). Relative to baseline, horizontal and vertical comas significantly increased, as did the incidence of higher-order aberrations (all P < 0.001), whereas axial length and corneal elevation remained stable during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the SMILE-based correction for myopia of up to -10 Dioptres is safe, effective, and stable, with relatively constant wavefront aberrations and corneal stability over time after treatment.

Differences in ocular high order aberrations before and after small incision lenticule extraction for correction of myopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To examine the causes and factors that lead to high order aberration (HOA) during the treatment of myopia using small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), as well as the differences between SMILE and other corneal refractive surgeries through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted from January 2015 to February 2023 in Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases to gather relevant studies on SMILE and HOA. Studies meeting specific criteria were chosen, and clinical data was retrieved for analysis.

Results

This meta-analysis resulted in the inclusion of 19 studies involving 1,503 eyes. Pooled results showed significant induction of total HOA (tHOA, d = -0.21, p < 0.001), spherical aberration (SA, d = -0.11, p < 0.001) and coma aberration (CA, d = -0.18, p < 0.001) after SMILE compared to pre-SMILE, while no significant change in trefoil aberration (TA) was observed (d = -0.00, p = 0.91). There was a significantly lower induction of tHOA after SMILE compared to femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK, d = 0.04, p < 0.001), and no significant difference was observed compared to wavefront aberration-guided (WFG) refractive surgery (d = 0.00, p = 0.75). There was also a significant association between different levels of myopia and astigmatism, duration of follow-up, lenticule thickness, and preoperative central corneal thickness (CCT) on the induction of tHOA after SMILE (p < 0.05), while the higher preoperative myopia group (sphere > -5D), lower preoperative astigmatism group (cylinder ≤ -1D), larger lenticule thickness group (lenticule thickness > 100 μm), shorter follow-up group (follow-up 1 month postoperatively) and the thicker CCT group (CCT > 550 μm) brought a significant induction of tHOA compared to the opposite comparison group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

While SMILE can induce HOA significantly, it induces less HOA than FS-LASIK. Postoperative HOA following SMILE can be affected by factors such as myopia, astigmatism, lenticule thickness, CCT, and duration of follow-up. Future research should continue to explore techniques to decrease the induction of HOA by using this methodology.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/.

Comparative Analysis of Corneal Higher-Order Aberrations after Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, Photorefractive Keratectomy, and Small Incision Lenticule Extraction with Correlations to Change in Myopic Q-Value and Spherical Equivalent with and without Astigmatism

Background: This retrospective chart review compared the higher-order aberrations (HOAs) among photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) alongside changes in spherical equivalent (SEQ) and corneal shape (Q-value). Methods: Analyzing 371 myopic eyes, including 154 LASIK, 173 PRK, and 44 SMILE cases, Pentacam imaging was utilized pre-operatively and at one-year post-operative visits. Results: All procedures resulted in 100% of patients achieving an uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 20/40 or better, with 87% of LASIK and PRK, and 91% of SMILE patients having 20/20 or better. Significant increases in HOAs were observed across all procedures (p < 0.05), correlating positively with SEQ and Q-value changes (LASIK (0.686, p < 0.05), followed by PRK (0.4503, p < 0.05), and SMILE (0.386, p < 0.05)). Vertical coma and spherical aberration (SA) were the primary factors for heightened aberration magnitude among the procedures (p < 0.05), with the largest contribution in SMILE, which is likely attributed to the centration at the corneal apex. Notably, PRK showed insignificant changes in vertical coma (-0.197 µm ± 0.0168 to -0.192 µm ± 0.0198, p = 0.78), with an increase in oblique trefoil (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings underscore differences in HOAs among PRK, LASIK, and SMILE, helping to guide clinicians.

Comparing Effective Optical Zones After Myopic Ablation Between LASIK, PRK, and SMILE With Correlation to Higher Order Aberrations

PURPOSE

To explore size, decentration, and eccentricity of effective optical zones (EOZs) in laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and correlate them to higher order aberrations (HOAs).

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review of 188 eyes that underwent refractive surgery for compound myopia (61 LASIK, 84 PRK, 43 SMILE). EOZ measurements were determined using 1-year postoperative Pentacam (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH) tangential difference maps. HOA data were measured using Pentacam wavefront aberration Zernike polynomials. Correlations between EOZs and HOAs were analyzed.

RESULTS

The EOZs of LASIK and PRK are smaller than SMILE at 19.54 ± 1.44, 19.39 ± 1.66, and 22.18 ± 2.61 mm2, respectively (P < .001). No difference existed in absolute decentration from corneal vertex (P = .078) or pupil center (P = .131), but horizontal and vertical components differed significantly (P < .001). Smaller EOZ areas were correlated with greater spherical aberration induction (rLASIK = -0.378, rPRK = -0.555, rSMILE = -0.501) and total HOA induction in all groups. Absolute decentration from corneal vertex positively correlated with total HOA (rLASIK = 0.396, rPRK = 0.463, rSMILE = 0.399) and directional vertical coma induction negatively correlated with vertical decentration from the corneal vertex (rLASIK = -0.776, rPRK = -0.665, rSMILE = -0.576) in all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

SMILE results in a larger EOZ than LASIK and PRK, and absolute decentration remains comparable regardless of surgical reference center, despite horizontal/vertical differences. Surgical planning to ensure adequate EOZ size and centration may reduce induction of HOAs, including spherical aberrations and vertical coma. [J Refract Surg. 2023;39(11):741-750.].

Accuracy of the FY-L formula in calculating intraocular lens power after small-incision lenticule extraction

Purpose

The study aimed to assess the accuracy of the FY-L formula in calculating intraocular lens (IOL) power after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).

Methods

For the post-SMILE IOL calculation of the same eye, the IOL power targeting the pre-SMILE eyes' lowest myopic refractive error was used. The FY-L formula, the Emmetropia Verifying Optical Formula (EVO-L), the Barrett True-K no history, and the Shammas-L, respectively, were used to calculate the predicted refractive error of target IOL power. A comparison was made between the change in spherical equivalent induced by SMILE (SMILE-Dif) and the variance between IOL-Dif (IOL-Induced Refractive Error) before and after SMILE. The prediction error (PE) was defined as SMILE-Dif minus IOL-Dif. The proportion of eyes with PEs within ±0.25 D, ±0.50 D, ±0.75 D, and ±1.00 D, the numerical and absolute prediction errors (PEs and AEs), and the median absolute error (MedAE) were compared.

Results

In total, 80 eyes from 42 patients who underwent SMILE were included in the study. The FY-L formula generated the sample's lowest mean PE (0.06 ± 0.76 D), MAE (0.58 ± 0.50 D), and MedAE (0.47 D), respectively. The PEs in ±0.25 D, ±0.50 D, ±0.75 D, and ±1.00 D comprised 28.8%, 46.3%, 70.0%, and 87.5%, respectively, for the FY-L formula. Compared to other formulas, the FY-L formula produced the highest value with PEs for the percentage of eyes in ±0.50 D, ±0.75 D, and ±1.00 D.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the FY-L formula provides satisfactory outcomes in estimating the IOL power in the eyes after SMILE.

Effect of preoperative pupil offset on corneal higher-order aberrations after femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between multiple higher-order aberrations (HOAs) subgroups and pupil offset, as well as to analyze the factors affecting postoperative corneal HOAs in patients with different degrees of refractive errors.

METHODS

We enrolled 160 patients (316 eyes) aged ≥ 18 years who had undergone femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) treatment. Based on the relationship between the preoperative pupil offset and the postoperative ΔHOAs, all patients were divided into two groups: group I (pupil offset ≤ 0.20 mm) and group II (pupil offset > 0.20 mm). All of the eyes had low to high myopia with or without astigmatism (manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) < -10.00 D). Uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, MRSE, pupil offset, central corneal thickness, corneal HOAs, vertical coma (Z₃^-1), horizontal coma (Z₃¹), spherical aberration (Z₄⁰), trefoil 0° (Z₃³), and trefoil 30° (Z₃^-3) over a 6 mm diameter central corneal zone diameter were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Our result revealed significant differences in postoperative corneal total root mean square (RMS) HOAs, RMS vertical coma, RMS horizontal coma, RMS spherical aberration, and RMS trefoil 30° between group I and group II. ΔMRSE was found to be an effective factor for ΔRMS HOAs (R² = 0.383), ΔRMS horizontal coma (R² = 0.205), and ΔRMS spherical aberration (R² = 0.397). In group II, multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between preoperative pupillary offset and Δtotal RMS HOAs (R² = 0.461), ΔRMS horizontal coma (R² = 0.040), and ΔRMS trefoil 30°(R² = 0.089). The ΔRMS vertical coma effect factor is the Y-component, and the factor influencing ΔRMS spherical aberration was ΔMRSE (R² = 0.256).

CONCLUSION

A small pupil offset was associated with a lower induction of postoperative corneal HOAs. Efforts to optimize centration are critical for improving surgical outcomes in patients with FS-LASIK.

Patient-reported quality of vision in a prospective randomized contralateral-eye trial comparing LASIK and small-incision lenticule extraction

PURPOSE

To compare patient-reported quality of vision and visual symptoms in participants undergoing laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).

SETTING

Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized contralateral-eye clinical trial.

METHODS

Patients with myopia were randomized to receive wavefront-guided femtosecond LASIK in one eye and SMILE in the fellow eye. Participants reported the presence and severity of adverse visual symptoms through the Patient-Reported Outcomes With Laser In Situ Keratomileusis questionnaire and reported which eye had better vision at the preoperative and the postoperative 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month visits.

RESULTS

80 eyes of 40 participants were treated. There was no difference in the presence or severity of double vision, glare, halos, or starbursts between eyes that underwent LASIK or SMILE at each visit ( P ≥ .85 for each comparison). Scaled scores for the presence of visual symptoms improved from the preoperative visit to the postoperative month 12 visit for double vision (88 vs 97, P = .03), glare (77 vs 92, P = .02), halos (68 vs 87, P < .01), and starbursts (60 vs 86, P < .01). At the postoperative month 12 visit, 17 (46%) of 37 participants preferred the vision from the eye that underwent LASIK compared with 7 (19%) of 37 who underwent SMILE. The preferred eye was correlated with uncorrected distance visual acuity ( r = 0.52, P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of visual symptoms were similar for LASIK and SMILE, and visual symptoms improved with time. More patients preferred vision from the eye that underwent LASIK compared with SMILE.

Efficacy of small-incision lenticule extraction surgery in high astigmatism: A meta-analysis

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in improving vision and visual quality and correcting astigmatism for the treatment of high astigmatism.

Methods

Eligible studies and studies comparing the efficacy of SMILE with femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) or transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (T-PRK) for high astigmatism (≥2.00 D) were identified in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, searched from their inception to 29 May 2022. The references of all searched studies were checked as supplements. The risk of bias was evaluated for each eligible study. The literature was screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and relative data were extracted. Data were extracted and analyzed by ReviewManager 5.4. The primary outcome was post-operative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA). The secondary outcomes included corneal aberrations and vector parameters. The weight mean difference (WMD) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were used to assess the strength of the association.

Results

A total of six studies including 380 astigmatism eyes were involved, with 211 high-astigmatism eyes and 31 low-astigmatism eyes undergoing SMILE surgery, 94 high-astigmatism eyes undergoing FS-LASIK surgery, and 44 high-astigmatism eyes undergoing T-PRK surgery. Compared with non-SMILE, SMILE induced more astigmatism (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -0.07, 95% CI [-0.12 to -0.02], P = 0.005) and fewer sphere aberrations (WMD = -0.12, 95% CI [-0.17 to -0.08], P < 0.00001). The post-operative UDVA, sphere, spherical equivalent (SE), and higher order aberrations in different surgeries were likewise equivalent. The difference vector and index of success were significantly higher, and the surgically induced astigmatism vector, correction index, and magnitude of error were significantly lower in SMILE.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggests that SMILE, FS-LASIK, and T-PRK show excellent efficacy, predictability, and safety for myopia. SMILE exhibited less astigmatism refraction predictability and less surgically induced spherical aberrations. There may be more under-correction in SMILE. More randomized, prospective, and large sample-sized studies are needed to confirm these conclusions in the long term.

Comparison of Changes in Corneal Thickness and Curvature After Myopia Correction Between SMILE and FS-LASIK

PURPOSE

To comparatively investigate the changes in corneal thickness and curvature between small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK).

METHODS

Data were collected preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months, including central corneal thickness (CCT), midperipheral corneal thickness (MPCT), peripheral corneal thickness (PCT), central keratometry (CK), midperipheral keratometry (MPK), and peripheral keratometry (PK), using a dual rotating Scheimpflug analyzer.

RESULTS

At 1 week postoperatively, changes in CCT, MPCT, PCT, and PK were significantly greater in the SMILE group than in the FS-LASIK group (P = .003 for CCT and < .001 for MPCT, PCT, and PK), but no significant inter-group differences were found between changes in CK and MPK (P = .883 and .513, respectively). CCT, MPCT, and PK values showed a similar increase in both groups, but significantly more increase in PCT and significantly less increase in CK and MPK was observed in the SMILE group from 1 week to 3 months after surgery. At 3 months postoperatively, CCT and MPCT were significantly thinner in the SMILE group than in the FSLASIK group (P = .018 and .022, respectively), and there was no significant difference in PCT, CK, MPK, and PK between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

SMILE caused significantly more corneal thinning at the center, midperiphery, and periphery, and more corneal flattening at the periphery, compared to FS-LASIK. A different pattern of corneal remodeling was observed between the two surgeries during the 3-month follow-up period. [J Refract Surg. 2023;39(1):15-22.].

Implantable collamer lens implantation (ICL) versus small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in low to moderate myopia: study protocol for a randomized, non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND

Implantable collamer lens implantation (ICL) is a form of 'foldable' posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens refractive surgery that generally does not impair cornea and natural accommodation. The potential advantages of the ICL over keratorefractive laser procedures include less induction of higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and enhanced retinal image magnification. On the other hand, small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), currently, one of the most popular refractive surgery procedures, also offers excellent visual outcomes, particularly for eyes with low to moderate amounts of myopia. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether ICL/TICL (toric ICL) is comparable to SMILE for low to moderate myopia in terms of refractive outcomes at 3 and 18 months post-operatively.

METHODS/DESIGN

This is a prospective randomized study. A total of 300 participants will be randomized into two groups, the ICL/TICL group and SMILE group. Eligible participants with spherical equivalent (SE) less than - 6.0 diopter (D) will be recruited. Following randomization, participants will be followed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. The primary outcome is the refractive predictability at every postoperative point after surgery, which is the proportion of the number of eyes achieving a postoperative SE within ± 0.5 D and ± 1.0 D of the intended target. Secondary outcome parameters include visual acuity, refraction, adverse events, and quality of vision measurements.

DISCUSSION

This trial will provide information on whether ICL has comparable, if not superior, refractive outcomes compared to the established SMILE for low to moderate myopia, thus providing evidence for translation into clinical practice.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese clinical trial registry (ChiCTR) 2200055372. Registered on 08 January 2022.

Evaluation of morphological features: femtosecond-LASIK flap vs. SMILE cap, and the effects on corneal higher-order aberrations

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to evaluate morphological features of corneal flap/cap and the correlations with corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) changes after femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. Pre- and postoperative (1 and 3 months) corneal HOAs were assessed with Pentacam HR. The corneal flap/cap thickness at 32 points (± 1.5 mm, ± 2 mm, ± 2.5 mm, and ± 3 mm from the corneal vertex on meridian 0°/45°/90°/135°) were measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography at 3 months postoperatively. Morphological features of corneal flap/cap including predictability (P), uniformity (U), and symmetry (S) were calculated and used for correlation analysis with corneal HOAs changes.

RESULTS

Eighty-six eyes (44 patients) and ninety-six eyes (50 patients) were involved in FS-LASIK and SMILE groups, respectively. Significant thicker corneal flap/cap than the predicted was observed at each measuring point and meridian in both groups (difference > 2.225 μm, the within-subject standard deviation over 6-mm optical zone). There was no statistically significant difference in predictability of corneal flap/cap thickness, while U_6 mm (P < .0001), U₀ (P < .001), U₄₅ (P = .002), U₉₀ (P < .0001), U₁₃₅ (P = .004), S_6 mm (P < .0001), S₀ (P < .001), and S₉₀ (P < .0001) over 6 mm zone were less in SMILE than in FS-LASIK. The changes of corneal tHOAs, Z (3, - 1), Z (3, 1), and SA were significantly correlated with morphological features of corneal flap/cap.

CONCLUSION

Both FS-LASIK and SMILE had good predictability in flap or cap thickness, while the uniformity and symmetry of SMILE cap were better than FS-LASIK flap. The quality of flap/cap was closely associated with the changes of corneal HOAs.

Twelve-year global publications on small incision lenticule extraction: A bibliometric analysis

Purpose

To analyze the development process of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery in a 12-year period.

Methods

We conducted a literature search for SMILE research from 2011 to 2022 using the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) of the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). The VOS viewer, and CiteSpace software were used to perform the bibliometric analysis. Publication language, annual growth trend, countries/regions and institutions, journals, keywords, references, and citation bursts were analyzed.

Results

A total of 731 publications from 2011 to 2022 were retrieved. Annual publication records grew from two to more than 100 during this period. China had the highest number of publications (n = 326). Sixty-five keywords that appeared more than four times were classified into six clusters: femtosecond laser technology, dry eye, biomechanics, visual quality, complications, and hyperopia.

Conclusion

The number of literatures has been growing rapidly in the past 12 years. Our study provides a deep insight into publications on SMILE for researchers and clinicians with bibliometric analysis for the first time.

IOL Power Calculations and Cataract Surgery in Eyes with Previous Small Incision Lenticule Extraction

Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), with over 5 million procedures globally performed, will challenge ophthalmologists in the foreseeable future with accurate intraocular lens power calculations in an ageing population. After more than one decade since the introduction of SMILE, only one case report of cataract surgery with IOL implantation after SMILE is present in the peer-reviewed literature. Hence, the scope of the present multicenter study was to compare the IOL power calculation accuracy in post-SMILE eyes between ray tracing and a range of empirically optimized formulae available in the ASCRS post-keratorefractive surgery IOL power online calculator. In our study of 11 post-SMILE eyes undergoing cataract surgery, ray tracing showed the smallest mean absolute error (0.40 D) and yielded the largest percentage of eyes within ±0.50/±1.00 D (82/91%). The next best conventional formula was the Potvin–Hill formula with a mean absolute error of 0.66 D and an ±0.50/±1.00 D accuracy of 45 and 73%, respectively. Analyzing this first cohort of post-SMILE eyes undergoing cataract surgery and IOL implantation, ray tracing showed superior predictability in IOL power calculation over empirically optimized IOL power calculation formulae that were originally intended for use after Excimer-based keratorefractive procedures.

Corneal Remodeling After Myopic SMILE Versus FS-LASIK: A Spatial Analysis of Short- and Mid-Term Corneal Thickness, Volume, and Shape Changes

PURPOSE

To evaluate the short- and mid-term changes of corneal thickness spatial profile (CTSP), corneal volume distribution (CVD), and corneal asphericity after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for correction of myopia and astigmatism and compare the results with femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK).

METHOD

Thirty eyes of 18 patients who underwent SMILE were compared with a group of 30 eyes of 16 patients who underwent FS-LASIK. The groups were matched for preoperative central corneal thickness and lenticule thickness/ablation depth. Scheimpflug corneal tomography was performed preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 months and 3 years. The CTSP was evaluated on 4 concentric rings (2, 4, 6, and 8 mm). The CVD was evaluated at 3 concentric zones (3, 5, and 7 mm). Changes in the anterior and posterior asphericity at a 6-mm zone were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Between the 2-month and 3-year examination, the CTSP showed a similar increase for both groups at all measured points and rings ( P ≥ 0.168). The CVD also showed a similar increase for both groups at all measured zones ( P ≥ 0.278). The anterior corneal asphericity remained stable after SMILE (2-mo Q = 0.46 ± 0.27; 3-yr Q = 0.45 ± 0.27; P = 0.711) but decreased significantly after FS-LASIK (2-mo Q = 0.52 ± 0.47; 3-yr Q = 0.47 ± 0.44; P = 0.028). Similarly, the posterior corneal asphericity remained stable after SMILE (2-mo Q = -0.11 ± 0.15; 3-yr Q = -0.11 ± 0.13; P = 0.902) but decreased significantly after FS-LASIK (2-mo Q = -0.13 ± 0.14; 3-yr Q = -0.16 ± 0.15; P = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

CTSP and CVD between the 2-month and 3-year examination showed a similar increase after SMILE and FS-LASIK. During the postoperative course, the anterior and posterior corneal asphericity remained more stable after SMILE compared with FS-LASIK.

Wavefront aberrations caused by biomechanical effects after Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) based on finite element analysis

To examine wavefront aberrations induced by biomechanical effects after Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) surgery. The three-dimensional (3D) finite element models of the human eye were established. By loading the intraocular pressure (IOP), the displacement of the anterior and posterior surface of the cornea was calculated. Then the displacement was converted into the wavefront aberrations by wave-surface fitting. The results showed that the induced wavefront aberrations were noticeable from biomechanical effects after SMILE surgery. The induced higher-order aberrations from the anterior corneal surface included spherical aberration, y-Trefoil, and x-Tetrafoil. Spherical aberration was positively correlated with corrected diopter (D), but x-Tetrafoil and y-Trefoil remained stable. The induced wavefront aberrations from the posterior corneal surface were smaller than those from the anterior corneal surface, and some of the aberrations compensated each other. With IOP increased, defocus and x-Tetrafoil from the anterior corneal surface increased, while y-Trefoil and spherical aberration decreased. The IOP only affected defocus from the posterior corneal surface. In addition, the incision size also had a distinct impact on primary x-astigmatism and x-Trefoil from the anterior corneal surface, and it had a smaller effect on the aberrations from the posterior corneal surface. Therefore, the biomechanical effects increased residual wavefront aberrations after SMILE refractive surgery.

Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) Combined with Prophylactic Corneal Cross-Linking for Correction of Myopia: Regional Analysis of Corneal Morphology

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Long-Term Observation of Higher-Order Aberrations and Microdistortions in Bowman’s Layer After Small Incision Lenticule Extraction for the Correcting Myopia With Spherical Equivalent Higher Than −9.0 Diopters

Purpose

To evaluate the outcomes in corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and microdistortions in the Bowman’s layer after femtosecond laser small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for correcting extremely high myopia.

Methods

This prospective study included patients with myopia with spherical equivalent ≥ -9.0 Diopters (D). SMILE was performed in forty eyes of 40 patients. Pentacam was used to evaluate HOAs before and at 1 day, 3 months, 6 months, and 2 years after surgery. Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography was used to evaluate microdistortions at 2 years postoperatively. Thirty-two eyes of 32 patients receiving femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) were enrolled as the control group. HOAs were measured before, at 1 day and at least 1 year postoperatively.

Results

After SMILE, the long-term safety and effectiveness index was 1.25 and 0.85, respectively. Microdistortions were observed in 73.5% of the eyes at 2 years, with an average number of 1.20 ± 1.22 microdistortions and an average width of 287.37 ± 259.00 μm. We detected more microdistortions in the horizontal meridian than in the vertical meridian (p = 0.035). The average number and width of microdistortions were both higher in the central region (≤4 mm) than in the peripheral region (4–8 mm) (both p < 0.001). With the exception of horizontal trefoil in the SMILE group and vertical trefoil in the FS-LASIK group, significant changes over time were observed in all other HOAs (all p < 0.05). Meanwhile, we detected significant increases in the total corneal HOA, spherical aberration (SA), and coma at all time-points after both surgeries (all p < 0.01). Compared with FS-LASIK, SMILE induced less SA (p < 0.001) and more horizontal coma (p = 0.036). In the SMILE group, the HOA, SA, and trefoil were more in the small optical zone (≤6.0 mm) than in the large optical zone (>6.0 mm) (all p < 0.05). The increase in SA and most trefoil correlated with the mean number of central microdistortions number (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

For myopia over −9.0D, the microdistortions in the Bowman’s layer were still detectable in most eyes long-term after SMILE. Both SMILE and FS-LASIK induced more HOAs, mainly HOA, SA, and coma. The small optical zone and microdistortions may affect postoperative aberrations.

Comparison of clinical outcomes of LASIK, Trans-PRK, and SMILE for correction of myopia

Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (Trans-PRK), laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) are three mainstay refractive surgeries worldwide. The applicability, efficacy, safety, and predictability of these different techniques are quite similar. Trans-PRK has the strongest biostability, earliest return to normal corneal sensitivity but the longest recovery time, most uncomfortable postoperative experience, and possibility of corneal haze. LASIK possesses the fastest visual rehabilitation but the slowest corneal nerve reinnervation, and flap displacement is possibly lifelong. SMILE incurs no flap-related complications and has intermediate vision recovery time and biomechanics compared with Trans-PRK and LASIK. However, it lacks the cyclotorsion-compensation system, eye-tracking system, and customized treatment profile for high astigmatism or irregular corneal surface. This review aims to introduce the mechanisms, pros, and cons of these three types of refractive surgery. With full understanding, practitioners could advise patients on the most suitable treatment of choice.

Intraocular lens power calculations in eyes with previous corneal refractive surgery: Challenges, approaches, and outcomes

In eyes with previous corneal refractive surgery, difficulties in accurately determining corneal refractive power and in predicting the effective lens position create challenges in intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations. There are three categories of methods proposed based on the use of historical data acquired prior to the corneal refractive surgery. The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery postrefractive IOL calculator incorporates many commonly used methods. Accuracy of refractive prediction errors within ± 0.5 D is achieved in 0% to 85% of eyes with previous myopic LASIK/photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), 38.1% to 71.9% of eyes with prior hyperopic LASIK/PRK, and 29% to 87.5% of eyes with previous radial keratotomy. IOLs with negative spherical aberration (SA) may reduce the positive corneal SA induced by myopic correction, and IOLs with zero SA best match corneal SA in eyes with prior hyperopic correction. Toric, extended-depth-of-focus, and multifocal IOLs may provide excellent outcomes in selected cases that meet certain corneal topographic criteria. Further advances are needed to improve the accuracy of IOL power calculation in eyes with previous corneal refractive surgery.

Corneal power measurements by ray tracing in eyes after small incision lenticule extraction for myopia with a combined Scheimpflug Camera-Placido disk topographer

PURPOSE

To evaluate the accuracy of the measurements of corneal power obtained by ray tracing with a combined Scheimpflug camera-Placido disk corneal topographer (Sirius) in eyes after small incision lenticule extraction for myopia (SMILE).

METHODS

Retrospective cases study includes 50 eyes of 50 patients who underwent myopic SMILE. Mean value of simulated keratometry (K_post), mean pupil power (MPP) (ray tracing, diameter of the entrance pupil range 3-6 mm), anterior and posterior corneal radius, and corneal thickness were obtained with Sirius topographer preoperatively and three months postoperatively, as well as cycloplegic refraction. True net power, equivalent keratometry readings, and Haigis equivalent power formula were calculated, and these measurements, MPP and K_post, were compared with the corneal power calculated with the clinical history method (CHM).

RESULTS

Corneal power measurements obtained with all methods were significantly different from CHM (P < 0.001), except the value of MPP obtained at 5.5 mm (P = 0.927). A good direct correlation was found between CHM and all measurements. The distribution of differences as compared with the CHM showed that the lowest difference corresponded to the value of MMP at 5.5 mm (- 0.002 ± 0.6). The Bland-Altman plots for the MPP at 5.5 mm showed 95% limits of agreement between - 1.1787 D and 1.1741 D.

CONCLUSIONS

MPP obtained by ray tracing within a diameter of entrance pupil of 5.5 mm could predict corrected corneal power derived from the CHM in eyes following SMILE surgery.

Time Course of Perceived Visual Distortion and Axial Length Growth in Myopic Children Undergoing Orthokeratology

Purpose: To establish the time course of the subjective visual function changes during the first month of orthokeratology treatment in myopic children, and to investigate how the time course variations are associated with the objective optical quality changes and the axial length growth (ALG) after 1 year of treatment.

Methods: A total of 58 myopic children aged from 8 to 16 years participated in this self-controlled prospective study. All subjects were fitted with designed spherical four-zone orthokeratology lenses. Subjective visual function was evaluated with orientation discrimination threshold (ODT), and objective optical quality was quantified with the high-order aberration root-mean-square (HOA-RMS) and the changing speed of HOA. The measurements were done before the lens fitting and 1 day, 1-, 2-, and 4-weeks after lens wear. Axial length was obtained at baseline and 1-year follow-up, and ALG was defined as the difference. One-way ANOVA was conducted to compare the difference for statistical analysis.

Results: After lens fitting, the ODT time courses peaked on day 1 in 28 children, 1 week in 15 children, 2 weeks in 11 children, and 4 weeks in 4 children. In contrast, the HOA-RMS steadily rose during the first month, and the changing speed of HOA was only transiently elevated on day 1 after the initial lens wear. The ALG was 0.12 ± 0.20 mm in subjects whose ODT peaked at day 1, 0.08 ± 0.09 mm in subjects whose ODT peaked on 1-week, and 0.12 ± 0.15 mm in subjects whose ODT peaked on 2-week or later. There was no difference in axial growth among the subjects whose ODT peaked at different days (P = 0.734).

Conclusion: While half ODT time course resembled the changing speed of HOA with a transient elevation on day 1, about a quarter of the ODT time course resemble the steadily rising of HOA-RMS, and the rest was located in the middle. The ALGs in children with different types of ODT time courses were similar.

Research Progress on Morphological Changes and Surgery-related Parameters of Corneal Cap in Small Incision Lenticule Extraction

Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) is an "all-in-one" surgical method for refractive correction. An advantage of the SMILE over traditional surgery is that it depends on the corneal cap's design. This review discusses the morphological evaluation of the corneal cap, selection of the corneal cap with different thickness and diameters, influence of the corneal cap design on retreatment, and management of corneal cap-related complications. The following points should be recognized to define the correct morphology and design of the operation-related parameters of the corneal cap during SMILE: (1) the thickness and diameter of the corneal cap are predictable and influence postoperative visual quality, (2) the change in anterior surface curvature of the corneal cap should be considered in the design of nomogram value, (3) for patients with moderate myopic correction, early visual quality is better with a 6.9-mm than with a 7.5-mm diameter corneal cap, (4) there is no significant difference in visual quality or biomechanics among corneal caps with different thickness; (5) primary corneal cap thickness plays an important role in the SMILE retreatment, (6) a 7.78-mm diameter corneal cap has a greater risk of suction loss than a 7.60-mm diameter corneal cap, (6) if suction loss occurs when lenticular scanning exceeds 10%, then SMILE can be continued by changing corneal cap thickness, (7) preventive collagen cross-linking with SMILE caps are 90-120 μm thick and 7-7.8 mm in diameter, and (8) properly treating SMILE-related complications ensures better postoperative results. The data presented herein shall deepen the understanding of the importance of the corneal cap during SMILE and provide diversified analysis for personalized operational design of corneal cap parameters.

OCT- versus Scheimpflug-based Total Corneal Power Measurements Changes in Myopic Astigmatic SMILE Procedures

PURPOSE

To evaluate the value of total keratometry (TK) to estimate corneal power in eyes that underwent SMILE for treatment of myopia or myopic astigmatism in subgroups of low and high astigmatism.

METHODS

The difference between preoperative and postoperative measurements of corneal power (ΔTCRP, ΔTK) was compared with the surgically induced refractive change at the corneal plane (ΔSE_co) by Pearson correlation. Vector analysis of TCRP- and TK-derived astigmatism was performed to evaluate the corneal astigmatism. Single-angle plots were generated with the AstigMATIC tool for standard astigmatism vector analysis.

RESULTS

Paired t-test revealed statistically significant differences in preoperative (p = .02) and postoperative (p = .0455) measurements between TK and TCRP in the group of high-level astigmatism and the postoperative low astigmatism group (p < .01). No significant differences were found in preoperative data in the group of low-level astigmatism (p = .60). The correlation of ΔSEco and TK (low astigmatism, R² = 0.978; high astigmatism R² = 0.980) was stronger than the correlation of TCRP 4.0 mm and ΔSEco (low astigmatism, R² = 0.743; high astigmatism R² = 0.959) in both astigmatic groups. The vector analysis demonstrated nearly identical results concerning the correction index (CI) for TK and TCRP. Comparing the difference vector (DV) between both parameters, TK-derived results were closer to the optimum.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings endorse TK as a reliable measure of corneal power after SMILE in patients with low and high astigmatism.

Comparison of the optical quality after SMILE and FS-LASIK for high myopia by OQAS and iTrace analyzer: a one-year retrospective study

BACKGROUND

To compare the correction effect and optical quality after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) for high myopia.

METHODS

51 high myopia eyes after SMILE and 49 high myopia eyes after FS-LASIK were enrolled and divided into two groups retrospectively. The OQAS and iTrace analyzer were used for optical quality inspection. Between the two groups the spherical equivalent (SE), astigmatism, uncorrected distant visual acuity (UDVA), strehl ratio (SR), modulation transfer function cutoff frequency (MTF cutoff), objective scatter index (OSI) and wavefront aberrations were analyzed and compared before surgery and at 1, 6 and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

After the operation: (1) SE and astigmatism declined and UDVA increased significantly in both groups, and UDVA was better after SMILE than FS-LASIK. (2) SR and MTF cutoff reduced and OSI increased significantly after SMILE and FS-LASIK. SR and MTF cutoff were significantly higher after SMILE than FS-LASIK. OSI was significantly lower after SMILE than FS-LASIK. (3) The total wavefront aberration, total low-order wavefront aberration, defocus and astigmatism aberration as well as trefoil aberration reduced significantly in both groups. The total high-order wavefront aberration increased significantly after FS-LASIK. The spherical and coma aberration increased significantly in both groups. The total high-order wavefront aberration and coma aberration at 1 month were higher after FS-LASIK than SMILE.

CONCLUSION

The optical quality descended after SMILE and FS-LASIK. SMILE was superior to FS-LASIK at the correction effect and optical quality for high myopia. The combination of OQAS and iTrace analyzer is a valuable complementary measurement in evaluating the optical quality after the refractive surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This is a retrospective study. This research was approved by the ethics committee of Xiangya Hospital and the IRB approval number is 201612074.

Predictability of intraocular lens power calculation after small-incision lenticule extraction for myopia

PURPOSE

To evaluate and compare the predictability of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for myopia and myopic astigmatism.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.

DESIGN

Retrospective comparative case series.

METHODS

Preoperative evaluation included optical biometry using IOLMaster 500 and corneal tomography using Pentacam HR. The corneal tomography measurements were repeated at 3 months postoperatively. The change of spherical equivalent due to SMILE was calculated by the manifest refraction at corneal plane (SMILE-Dif). A theoretical model, involving the virtual implantation of the same IOL before and after SMILE, was used, and the IOL power calculations were performed using ray tracing (OKULIX, version 9.06) and third- (Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, and SRK/T) and fourth-generation (Haigis-L and Haigis) formulas. The difference between the IOL-induced refractive error at corneal plane before and after SMILE (IOL-Dif) was compared with SMILE-Dif. The prediction error (PE) was calculated as the difference between SMILE-Dif-IOL-Dif.

RESULTS

The study included 204 eyes that underwent SMILE. The PE with ray tracing was -0.06 ± 0.40 diopter (D); Haigis-L, -0.39 ± 0.62 D; Haigis, 0.70 ± 0.48 D; Hoffer Q, 0.84 ± 0.47 D; Holladay 1, 1.21 ± 0.51 D; and SRK/T, 1.46 ± 0.54 D. The PE with ray tracing was significantly smaller compared with that of all formulas (P ≤ .001). The PE variance with ray tracing was σ2 = 0.159, being significantly more homogenous compared with that of all formulas (P ≤ .011, F ≥ 6.549). Ray tracing resulted in an absolute PE of 0.5 D or lesser in 81.9% of the cases, followed by Haigis-L (53.4%), Haigis (35.3%), Hoffer Q (25.5%), Holladay 1 (6.4%), and SRK/T (2.9%) formulas.

CONCLUSIONS

Ray tracing was the most accurate approach for IOL power calculation after myopic SMILE.

Comparative Change in Anterior Corneal Asphericity After FS-LASIK and SMILE

PURPOSE

To evaluate changes in anterior corneal asphericity (ΔQ) by calculating tangential radius (r_t) after femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).

METHODS

Sirius corneal topography (Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici) was used to evaluate 120 right eyes from patients with moderate and high myopia who had previously undergone FS-LASIK and SMILE. The preoperative and postoperative tangential radii obtained in reference to various semi-meridional regions and radii zones were compared. Variation in ΔQ values in semi-meridional regions across 360 degrees of the anterior surface after FS-LASIK and SMILE were compared.

RESULTS

The tangential radii in the 1.2- and 1.8-mm radii zones were lower in patients who underwent SMILE compared to those who underwent FS-LASIK. The tangential radii in the 2.4- and 3-mm zones were higher in patients who underwent SMILE compared to those who underwent FS-LASIK. In both the moderate and high myopia groups, postoperative Q-values and ΔQ-values were lower in patients who had undergone SMILE than in patients who had undergone FS-LASIK. Postoperative Q-values and ΔQ-values were lower in the moderate myopia group than in the high myopia group for FS-LASIK and SMILE. The magnitude of variation in ΔQ as a function of semi-meridional region was lower in patients who had undergone SMILE than in patients who had undergone FS-LASIK.

CONCLUSIONS

FS-LASIK and SMILE alter anterior corneal tangential radius and anterior corneal asphericity in patients with moderate or high myopia. SMILE is more effective than FS-LASIK in preserving normal anterior corneal asphericity. [J Refract Surg. 2021;37(3):158-165.].

Biomechanical responses of the cornea after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) refractive surgery based on a finite element model of the human eye

PURPOSE

To investigate the biomechanical responses of the human cornea after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) procedures, especially their effects of SMILE surgery on stress and strain.

METHODS

Based on finite element analysis, a three-dimensional (3D) model of the human eye was established to simulate SMILE refractive surgery procedures. Stress and strain values were calculated by inputting the intraocular pressure (IOP).

RESULTS

After SMILE refractive surgery procedures, the stress and strain of the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces were significantly increased. The equivalent stress and strain on the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces increased with increasing diopter and were concentrated in the central area, whereas the values of stress and strain at the incision site on the anterior surface of the cornea were approximately 0. Compared with the anterior corneal surface, the stress and strain of the posterior surface were larger. Increasing IOP caused an approximately linear change in stress and a nonlinear increase in corneal strain. In addition, we found that the incision sizes and direction had less of an influence on stress and strain. In summary, SMILE surgery increased the equivalent stress and strain on the human cornea.

CONCLUSIONS

The equivalent stress and strain of the anterior and posterior human corneal surfaces increased after SMILE refractive surgery; these increases were particularly noticeable on the posterior surface of the cornea.

Corneal curvature, asphericity, and aberrations after transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy and femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis for myopia: A prospective comparative study

Purpose:

We aimed to compare transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TPRK) and femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) for myopia treatment by analyzing corneal curvature, asphericity (Q-value), and corneal aberration.

Methods:

Corneal topography was measured before and 6 months after the TPRK or FS-LASIK surgery. We measured and compared corneal curvature (sagittal curvature in the 1- to 7-mm zones), change in keratometric measurements (Kmpost – Kmpre, ΔK), Q-values (from the vertex of the 6-, 7-, 8-, and 9-mm zones), higher-order aberration (HOA), vertical and horizontal trefoil (Z3^-3 and Z3³), vertical and horizontal coma (Z3^-1 and Z3¹), and spherical aberration (Z4⁰) between the two surgery groups.

Results:

The sagittal curvature Δ K in the 1-mm zone after TPRK was significantly higher than after FS-LASIK. The Δ K/ΔSE (ΔSE [spherical equivalent] = SEpre – SEpost) ratio in the 1- to 4-mm diameter zones was significantly higher after TPRK than after FS-LASIK. The preoperative Q-values of the 6- and 7-mm zones did not differ between the treatment groups, but postoperative values were significantly higher following FS-LASIK than following TPRK. HOA, Z4⁰, and Z3^-1 were all significantly higher after surgery in both groups. Postoperative Z3^-3 was significantly higher following TPRK but not following FS-LASIK. There were no postoperative differences in aberrations in either group; however, the change in HOA and Z3^-1 was significantly greater following FS-LASIK.

Conclusion:

TPRK changes the corneal curvature to a greater extent and the visual quality (Q-value, aberrations) to a lesser extent than FS-LASIK.

Comparison of corneal aberrations and refractive outcomes after small-incision lenticule extraction and femtosecond-assisted laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSES

To retrospectively compare the short-term refractive outcomes and corneal aberrations after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond-assisted laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) combined with smart pulse technology (SPT) in patients with compound myopic astigmatism.

METHODS

A total of 91 eyes (91 patients) were included, 43eyes in FS-LASIK group and 48 eyes in the SMILE group. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refractive results and corneal topography were evaluated 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Corneal aberrations of anterior corneal surface were calculated from the topography data over 6 mm-diameter.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in UCVA, BCVA, and refractive results between the two groups. There were no statistical difference in TIA (target induced astigmatism), SIA (surgery induced astigmatism), DV (difference vector), ME (magnitude of error), AE (angle of error), AE (absolute value) and CI (correction index) between both groups at 1 and 3 months. Coma and spherical aberration improved in all the patients in both groups at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. The amount of induced spherical aberrations was higher in FS-LASIK group compared to SMILE group.

CONCLUSIONS

Both FS-LASIK and SMILE achieved similar refractive outcomes in patients with myopia and compound myopic astigmatism. FS-LASIK combined with SPT resulted in higher spherical aberration than SMILE in early postoperative period.

Comparison of Wavefront-Guided Femtosecond LASIK and Optimized SMILE for Correction of Moderate-to-High Astigmatism

PURPOSE

To compare refractive outcomes, higher order aberrations (HOAs), and the changes in contrast sensitivity after wavefront-guided femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (WFG LASIK) and optimized small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for moderate-to-high astigmatism correction.

METHODS

This prospective, randomized study included 87 eyes: 40 eyes in the WFG LASIK group and 47 eyes in the SMILE group. Manual cyclotorsion compensation by marking the horizontal axis before SMILE surgery was used for optimized SMILE. Refractive diopter, aberrations, and contrast sensitivity were assessed 3 months postoperatively. The Alpins vector analysis method was used to analyze the astigmatic changes after surgery.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the corrected distance visual acuity and refraction between the two groups after surgery. The fitted curve of surgically induced astigmatism versus target induced astigmatism was described as y = 0.9905 x + 0.0009 in the WFG LASIK group and y = 0.9672 x + 0.0026 in the SMILE group. The percentage of corneal astigmatism axis change within 5 degrees was statistically significant (chi-square test: 10.632, P = .001). HOAs increased in both the WFG LASIK and SMILE groups after surgery (t = -3.655, P = .001, t = -3.784, P = .001, respectively). However, comparison of the changes of HOAs between both groups was not significant (t = -0.565, P = .575). The improvement in contrast sensitivity in the WFG LASIK group was significantly higher than that in the SMILE group.

CONCLUSIONS

WFG LASIK and optimized SMILE can achieve similar outcomes for astigmatism correction. Optimized SMILE with marking could achieve good astigmatism correction, even without an eye tracking system. [J Refract Surg. 2021;37(3):166-173.].

Total keratometry for determination of true corneal power after myopic small incision lenticule extraction

PURPOSE

To gauge the value of total keratometry (TK) to estimate corneal power change in eyes that underwent SMILE for treatment of myopia or myopic astigmatism.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University and SMILE Eyes Clinic Munich Airport, Munich, Germany.

DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional trial.

METHODS

A total of 40 eyes of 40 patients who had undergone myopic SMILE were enrolled in this prospective study. Total corneal refractive power (TCRP; Pentacam HR; Wetzlar, Germany) and TK (IOL Master 700; Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) values were compared to the clinical history method (CHM). The surgically induced changes in TCRP (ΔTCRP) and TK (ΔTK) were also compared to the changes in spherical equivalent on the corneal plane (ΔSEco).

RESULTS

The correlation between TK and CHM (R2=0.91, p<.001) was stronger than between TCRP and CHM (R2=0.87, p<.001). As compared with the CHM, TCRP underestimated corneal power by a mean relative error of 0.59 D and TK by 0.17 D. Linear regression analysis of ΔTCRP/ΔTK and the difference between preoperative and postoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent at the corneal plane (Δ SEco) showed stronger correlation in ΔTK (R2=0.88), than in ΔTCRP (R2=0.82).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings endorse TK as an accurate measure for corneal power after myopic SMILE.

Clinical outcomes after small-incision lenticule extraction versus femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK for high myopia: A meta-analysis

AIM

To compare postoperative clinical outcomes of high myopia after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK).

METHODS

From March 2018 to July 2020, PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and several Chinese databases were comprehensively searched. The studies meeting the criteria were selected and included; the data were extracted by 2 independent authors. The clinical outcome parameters were analyzed with RevMan 5.3.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included twelve studies involving 766 patients (1400 eyes: 748 receiving SMILE and 652 receiving FS-LASIK). Pooled results revealed no significant differences in the following outcomes: the logarithm of the mean angle of resolution (logMAR) of postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (weighted mean difference (WMD) = -0.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.02 to 0.00, I2 = 0%, P = 0.07 at 1 mo; WMD = -0.00, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.01, I2 = 0%, P = 0.83 at 3 mo; WMD = -0.00, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.00, I2 = 32%, P = 0.33 in the long term), and the postoperative mean refractive spherical equivalent (WMD = -0.03, 95% CI: -0.09 to 0.03, I2 = 13%, P = 0.30). However, the SMILE group had significantly better postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) than the FS-LASIK group (WMD = -0.04, 95% CI, -0.05 to -0.02, I2 = 0%, P<0.00001). In the long term, postoperative total higher-order aberration (WMD = -0.09, 95% CI: -0.10 to -0.07, I2 = 7%, P<0.00001) and postoperative spherical aberration (WMD = -0.15, 95% CI: -0.19 to -0.11, I2 = 29%, P<0.00001) were lower in the SMILE group than in the FS-LASIK group; a significant difference was also found in postoperative coma (WMD = -0.05, 95% CI: -0.06 to -0.03, I2 = 30%, P<0.00001).

CONCLUSION

For patients with high myopia, both SMILE and FS-LASIK are safe, efficacious and predictable. However, the SMILE group demonstrated advantages over the FS-LASIK group in terms of postoperative CDVA, while SMILE induced less aberration than FS-LASIK. It remains to be seen whether SMILE can provide better visual quality than FS-LASIK; further comparative studies focused on high myopia are necessary.

SMILE Versus Implantable Collamer Lens Implantation for High Myopia: A Matched Comparative Study

PURPOSE

To compare the safety, efficacy, and patient-reported quality of vision of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and implantable Collamer lens (ICL) implantation for the treatment of high myopia.

METHODS

A database of 1,634 SMILE (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) and 225 ICL implantation (STAAR Surgical, Monrovia, CA) procedures was screened for patients with a binocular preoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent between -6.00 and -10.00 diopters (D) and plano target refraction. One-to-one matching was performed by preoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent, age, and pupil size. All identified patients were then prospectively examined at their next regular postoperative follow-up visit and presented with the standardized and clinically validated Quality of Vision questionnaire to gauge patient-reported postoperative visual quality.

RESULTS

A total of 80 eyes (40 patients) were eligible for 1:1 matching. Mean postoperative follow-up was 27.8 ± 14.3 months in the SMILE group and 26.6 ± 17.7 months in the ICL group (P = .44). Regarding the percentage of eyes within ±0.50 D of plano target, refractive predictability was better in eyes treated with ICL implantation (90%) than SMILE (72.5%) (P = .045). Mean UDVA was comparable (ICL: -0.09 ± 0.10 logMAR; SMILE: -0.06 ± 0.09 logMAR; P < .09), but the efficacy (1.28 vs 1.05; P < .001) and safety (1.31 ± 0.22 vs 1.10 ± 0.25; P < .001) indices were higher after ICL implantation. ICL implantation induced significantly fewer higher order aberrations (total higher order aberrations: SMILE 0.724 ± 0.174 µm vs ICL 0.436 ± 0.114 µm; P < .01). Regarding subjective quality of vision, patients who had ICL implantation were significantly less bothered by visual disturbances, which were mainly halos after ICL and starbursts and fluctuations of vision after SMILE (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this refraction-matched comparative study, ICL implantation for high myopia yielded better refractive accuracy, better uncorrected distance visual acuity, fewer higher order aberrations, and better subjective quality of vision than SMILE. [J Refract Surg. 2020;36(3):150-159.].

Four-Year Outcomes of Small Incision Lenticule Extraction for Extreme High Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term safety, efficacy, predictability, and stability of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for the treatment of high myopia and myopic astigmatism >−10.0 D.

Methods: This was a prospective study that incorporated 35 consecutive patients (35 eyes) undergoing SMILE from September 2015 to March 2016. These patients had a mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction of −10.06 ± 0.64 D. Patients were followed over a 4-year period and assessed for outcomes including uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, and corneal topography.

Results: At 4 years post-SMILE, respective efficacy and safety indices were 1.01 ± 0.19 and 1.07 ± 0.15. In total, 97% of operated eyes achieved an UDVA of 20/25 or better. ≥1 line was gained for 9 eyes (26%), with 25 eyes (71%) remaining stable. Twenty-four (69%) and 33 (94%) eyes, respectively, were within ±0.50 D and ±1.0 D of target refraction. From 3 months to 4 years postoperatively, a mean refractive regression of −0.22 D (−0.06 D per year) was detected, whereas no significant changes in mean corneal back curvature or posterior central elevation were detected (P = 0.617 and 0.754, respectively). We detected significant increases in higher-order aberrations (HOAs) of the anterior and total cornea (all P < 0.001), with spherical aberrations and vertical coma being particularly common, whereas posterior corneal HOA remained fairly stable (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion: SMILE is a safe, effective, predictable, and stable means of correcting high myopia and myopic astigmatism over a 4-year postoperative period.

Comparison of clinical outcomes after femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis in eyes with low or high myopia

AIM

To compare the clinical results of femtosecond (FS) laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in high myopic patients and low myopic patients.

METHODS

This study included 212 myopic eyes undergoing LASIK using a VisuMax 500kHz FS laser. All treated eyes were assigned to one of two groups according to preoperative manifest spherical refraction: low myopia group (A, >-4.0 D) and high myopia group (B, ≤-4.0 D). Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA, CDVA), refractive errors, and higher-order aberrations (HOAs) were measured preoperatively and 1wk, 1, 3 and 6mo postoperatively.

RESULTS

At 6mo of follow-up, 92% and 76% had a UDVA of 20/20 or better in group A and B, respectively (P=0.037) and UDVA was significantly different between two groups (P=0.042). Six and seven percentage lost one line of CDVA in group A and B, respectively (P=0.572) and no eyes in both groups lost more than two lines. Each group had 87% and 76% of treated eyes within ±0.5 D of the intended correction (P=0.186), and 13% and 43% with a change of >0.50 D in spherical equivalent from 1wk to 6mo postoperatively (P=0.005). In terms of postoperative astigmatism, each group had 89.1% and 76.6% within ±0.50 D, respectively and there was significant difference (P=0.006). Group A tends to induce smaller HOAs than group B.

CONCLUSION

FS LASIK is effective and safe for correcting high myopia as well as low myopia. However, high myopic eyes showed more postoperative astigmatism and HOAs which affect visual acuity.

Corneal wavefront aberrations and subjective quality of vision after small incision lenticule extraction

PURPOSE

To analyse in depth the associations between objectively measured corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and subjectively perceived visual quality after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) as quantified with the standardized and clinically validated quality of vision (QOV) questionnaire.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included patients after bilateral simultaneous SMILE for the treatment of myopia and/or myopic astigmatism with plano target refraction. Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam HR; Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) was used to objectively quantify corneal HOAs. The standardized and validated QOV questionnaire was employed to gauge patients' subjectively perceived visual quality regarding frequency, severity and bothering effect of visual disturbances.

RESULTS

A total of 394 eyes of 197 patients with a mean age of 32.4 ± 7.7 years and a mean postoperative follow-up of 24.3 ± 14.1 months were included. SMILE induced a statistically significant (p < 0.001) increase in spherical aberration (0.074 ± 0.131 µm), coma (0.142 ± 0.179 µm), trefoil (0.018 ± 0.067 µm) as well as in total HOAs (0.191 ± 0.176 µm). Surgically induced and postoperative levels of HOA showed no correlation with the three QOV scores representative of overall visual symptom frequency, severity and bothering effect (all R² values ≤ 0.016). In addition, the associations between specific visual symptoms (e.g. starburst) and singular HOA terms (e.g. haloes) were very weak (all Rho values ≤ 0.164).

CONCLUSIONS

Small incision lenticule extraction induced significant amounts of corneal HOAs that, however, showed no clear relationships to patient-reported QOV or specific long-term visual symptoms.

Anatomical and Visual Outcomes after LASIK Performed in Myopic Eyes with the WaveLight® Refractive Suite (Alcon® Laboratories Inc., USA)

Purpose

To evaluate changes in corneal anatomy and quality of vision following LASIK refractive surgery for mild to high myopia using the WaveLight® Refractive Suite (Alcon® Laboratories Inc., USA). Setting. Rothschild Foundation, Paris, France.

Design

Prospective interventional case series.

Methods

We examined 60 myopic eyes (average SE −4.5 D, from −9.3 to −0.75 D) of 30 patients from 21.3 to 38.7 years old. Pachymetry, keratometry, Q factor, corneal aberrations, visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity, dry eye assessment, and quality of vision were measured preoperatively, one day (D1), and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.

Results

6 months postoperatively, keratometry became flatter, and the Q factor became more oblate (from −0.18 ± 0.08 to +0.19 ± 0.06). Pachymetry decreased by 117.9 ± 62.2 µm at D1 and increased by 37.87 ± 32.6 µm between D1 and M6. Refraction was emmetropic at D1 and remained stable thereafter. Six months after surgery, VA was slightly but nonsignificantly improved (<0.05 log MAR), whereas contrast sensitivity remained unchanged. Quality of vision was not affected by surgery and was more related to dry eye symptoms than to corneal HOAs (r² = 0.49; p < 0.001 vs. r² = 0.03; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

LASIK surgery for moderate to high myopia, performed with the WaveLight® Refractive Suite, showed good postoperative outcomes, with demonstrated safety, predictability, efficiency, and stability. This is probably due to well-controlled spherical aberration and the use of large optical zones. Besides, we can assume that the patients' quality of vision depends more on the postoperative dry eye disease generated by the laser than on the induced HOAs.

Evaluation of changes in choroidal thickness after implantable collamer lens surgery in high myopia patients with graves' Ophthalmopathy (inactive phase)

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) implantation in high myopic patients with inactive Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) by observing the changes of choroidal thickness (CT).

METHODS

Eight patients (16 eyes) with high myopia accompanied with inactive GO were selected as the experimental group (group A) and 18 high myopic patients (36 eyes) without GO were selected as a control group (group B). The outcomes of uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), safety index, efficacy index, intraocular pressure (IOP), vault, corneal endothelial count, and choroidal thickness (CT) were observed. The values of CT were measured using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) scans.

RESULTS

The UCVA and BCVA in all operated eyes were better than that before surgery. The postoperative safety index and efficacy index were 1.23 and 1.19 in the group A, respectively, and 1.26 and 1.21 in the group B, respectively. In both groups, foveal CT increased significantly in high myopic patients at 2 h and at 3 months after surgery, compared to preoperative values. The same tendencies were observed in the inner nasal and outer nasal regions. Compared with patients without GO, the increase of CT was more obvious in GO patients, 2 h postoperatively (P = 0.006) and 3 months postoperatively (P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

The ICL implantation is safe and effective in high myopic patients with inactive GO. Subfoveal and nasal CT may be useful parameters for monitoring the activity of GO patients.

Comparison of refractive outcomes and high-order aberrations after small incision lenticule extraction and wavefront-guided femtosecond-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis for correcting high myopia and myopic astigmatism

PURPOSE

To compare the results of using small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and wavefront-guided femtosecond-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (WFG FS-LASIK) to correct high myopia and myopic astigmatism.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The 94 eyes of 47 patients with high myopia or myopic astigmatism, if not both, who had undergone SMILE were compared with the 94 eyes of 47 patients with high myopia or myopic astigmatism, also if not both, who had undergone WFG FS-LASIK. Only eyes with high myopic or myopic astigmatism errors greater than - 6.0 diopter (D) spherical refraction and 0-3 D cylindrical refraction were included. Values of uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, efficacy index, safety index, predictability, and high-order aberration between the patient groups were compared.

RESULTS

The SMILE and WFG FS-LASIK groups did not significantly differ according to sex or age. Values of preoperative and postoperative spherical refraction, cylindrical refraction, spherical equivalent, uncorrected distance visual acuity, and corrected distance visual acuity between the groups also did not significantly differ nor did values of predictability, the efficacy index, or the safety index. SMILE induced more coma and trefoil (p < 0.001), whereas WFG FS-LASIK induced more spherical aberration (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Both SMILE and WFG FS-LASIK are efficient, safe, predictable procedures for correcting high myopia and myopic astigmatism. SMILE may induce more coma and trefoil, whereas WFG FS-LASIK may induce more spherical aberration.

The best optical zone for small-incision lenticule extraction in high myopic patients

Small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) is an effective and safe procedure for the correction of myopia due to minimally invasive and noncorneal flap surgery. However, the SMILE procedure has certain requirements for corneal cap thickness, attempted refractive correction, residual stromal bed thickness, and optical zone diameter, which sometimes make surgeons hesitant to choose SMILE or other refractive surgeries. The requirements limit its use in patients with high myopia. The purpose of this review was to find the optimal parameters of SMILE through discussing the best optical zone for high myopic patients, the visual quality of different optical zones, the choice of corneal cap thickness, and their effects on corneal biomechanical parameters, so surgeons can provide reference recommendations for patients with high myopia in choosing a reasonable and safe procedure.

Comparison of choroidal thickness in high myopic eyes after FS-LASIK versus implantable collamer lens implantation with swept-source optical coherence tomography

AIM

To investigate the changes in choroidal thickness (CT) in high myopic eyes after femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) surgery or central hole implantable collamer lens (ICL V4c) implantation using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT).

METHODS

We examined the right eyes of 116 patients with high myopia who were candidates for FS-LASIK surgery and ICL implantation. Sixty eyes underwent ICL V4c implantation and 56 eyes were subjected to FS-LASIK surgery. The CT was measured with SS-OCT. All data were recorded preoperatively and 2h, 1wk, 1 and 3mo postoperatively. Other demographic information was collected, including age, sex, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalent (SE), intraocular pressure (IOP) and axial length (AL).

RESULTS

The UCVA improved in both groups and showed no significant differences between groups. There also were no significant differences between the two groups in postoperative BCVA and SE (P=0.581 and 0.203, respectively). The foveal CTs, inner nasal and outer nasal CTs were significantly thicker at 2h postoperatively in both groups (P<0.05) but returned to baseline levels in 1wk; after 1mo, no significant differences were found relative to the preoperative values. At 3mo in each group, nine regions showed variations in the CT as compared with preoperative thickening, but only the foveal and nasal area CTs preoperative differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in 9 regions of CT between the two groups at all follow-up times (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The CTs after ICL implantation and FS-LASIK surgery are significantly thicker than those before operation, especially in the foveal and nasal areas, but there is no significant difference between the two methods.

Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) for Moderate and High Myopia: Seven-Year Outcomes of Refraction, Corneal Tomography, and Wavefront Aberrations

Purpose

To investigate the long-term outcomes of refraction, corneal tomography, and wavefront aberrations after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for moderate and high myopia.

Methods

Prospective, nonconsecutive case series. A total of 26 patients (26 eyes) who underwent SMILE from May 2010 to March 2013 at the Fudan University Eye and ENT Hospital (Shanghai, China) were enrolled. The periods of follow-up were 1 month, 1 year, 5 years, and 7 years after surgery. The routine eye examinations included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, and corneal tomography.

Results

All surgeries were executed without any complications. At the final visit, an UDVA of 20/20 or better was achieved in 26 eyes (100%) and 11 eyes (42%) exhibited no change in CDVA. 9 eyes (35%) gained one line, 6 eyes (23%) gained two lines, and no eyes lost CDVA. 24 eyes (92%) and 26 eyes (100%) were within ±0.5 D and ±1.00 D of the target refraction, respectively. A mean refractive regression of −0.17 D was observed between 1 month and 7 years postoperatively. Mean corneal front curvature (MCFC) was significantly decreased between pre- and post-SMILE surgery (P < 0.0001). Higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and vertical coma were significantly increased after SMILE compared to those measured before surgery (all P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in trefoil and spherical aberration between pre- and post-SMILE surgery (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

SMILE is an effective, safe, and stable procedure for moderate and high myopia, with relatively constant corneal stability and wavefront aberrations. This trial is registered with ChiCTR-ONRC-13003114.

Intraocular Lens Power Calculation after Small Incision Lenticule Extraction

With more than 1.5 million Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) procedures having already been performed worldwide in an ageing population, intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation in post-SMILE eyes will inevitably become a common challenge for ophthalmologists. Since no refractive outcomes of cataract surgery following SMILE have been published, there is a lack of empirical data for optimizing IOL power calculation. Using the ray tracing as the standard of reference - a purely physical method that obviates the need for any empirical optimization - we analyzed the agreement of various IOL power calculation formulas derived from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) post-keratorefractive surgery online calculator. In our study of 88 post-SMILE eyes, the Masket formula showed the smallest mean prediction error [-0.36 ± 0.32 diopters (D)] and median absolute error (0.33D) and yielded the largest percentage of eyes within ±0.50D (70%) in reference to ray tracing. Non-inferior refractive prediction errors and ±0.50D accuracies were achieved by the Barrett True K, Barrett True K No History and the Potvin-Hill formula. Use of these formulas in conjunction with ray tracing is recommended until sufficient data for empirical optimization of IOL power calculation after SMILE is available.

Comparison of effective optical zone after small-incision lenticule extraction and femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia

PURPOSE

To compare the effective optical zone (EOZ) after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK).

SETTING

Jinan Mingshui Eye Hospital, Jinan, China.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

Myopic patients who had small-incision lenticule extraction or FS-LASIK were enrolled in this retrospective study. Effective OZs were measured at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively, using the tangential curvature difference map of the Scheimpflug tomography system. Correlations between the changes in the EOZ and relevant parameters were analyzed 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The study comprised 76 patients (76 eyes). The mean EOZs at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively were 5.39 ± 0.27 mm, 5.33 ± 0.30 mm, and 5.34 ± 0.23 mm in the small-incision lenticule extraction group and 5.06 ± 0.36 mm, 4.98 ± 0.39 mm, and 5.01 ± 0.31 mm in the FS-LASIK group, when the programmed OZ was 6.5 mm. The magnitude of decreases in EOZ was significantly smaller in the small-incision lenticule extraction group than in the FS-LASIK group at all timepoints after surgery (P < .01). There were significant correlations between changes in EOZ and corneal asphericity (P < .01). Epithelial thickening was positively correlated with EOZ reduction in the small-incision lenticule extraction group (r = 0.479, P < .01); however, no correlation was found between epithelial thickening and EOZ reduction in the FS-LASIK group (r = .324, P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Both small-incision lenticule extraction and FS-LASIK resulted in EOZ reduction during correction of myopia. However, small-incision lenticule extraction resulted in less reduction than FS-LASIK and was associated with corneal asphericity changes and epithelial thickening.

Evaluation of changes in choroidal thickness after surgical implantation of collamer lens in patients with different degrees of high myopia

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential changes in the choroidal thickness (CT) after surgical implantation of collamer lens (ICL) and to determine whether the variations in CT were associated with the degree of myopia. In the study, 98 eyes from 98 myopia patients were divided into two groups according to the degree of myopia: High myopia and super-high myopia. All eyes were measured using the swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) technique. CT and CT variations were also recorded. The foveal CT increased significantly in high-myopia patients at 2 h after surgery and 3 months after surgery; the same tendency was observed in the inner nasal CT and outer nasal CT at the same time-points. In patients with super-high myopia, the subfoveal CT increased significantly at 2 h and 3 months after surgery compared with the pre-operative values. No statistically significant differences were obtained in any of the nine different choroidal regions evaluated at post-operative week 1 and post-operative month one. Furthermore, the increase in the subfoveal CT in the super-myopia group was significantly higher than that in the high-myopia group at 2 h and at 3 months after ICL. The results of the present study indicated that the CT significantly increased 2 h after the surgery and then reached a peak at 3 months, particularly in the subfoveal and nasal areas. A higher degree of myopia was associated with greater subfoveal choroidal changes.

Determinants of subjective patient-reported quality of vision after small-incision lenticule extraction

PURPOSE

To characterize patient-reported long-term quality of vision (QoV) after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), and to identify potential clinical parameters that might predispose to experiencing deteriorated visual quality.

SETTING

University Eye Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.

DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional study.

METHODS

For the assessment and scoring of visual symptoms, the Quality of Vision questionnaire was employed, which constitutes a clinically validated, linear-scaled 30-item instrument providing a QoV score on three scales (symptom frequency, severity, and bothersome). Subgroup analyses were performed for patient subgroups stratified by baseline characteristics (eg, age) and treatment parameters (eg, surgical refractive correction) as well as refractive outcomes (eg, residual refraction) and visual outcomes (eg, uncorrected distance visual acuity [UDVA]).

RESULTS

The study comprised 394 eyes of 197 patients (117 women [59.4%], 80 men [40.6%]) were included with a mean postoperative follow-up of 24.4 months ± 14.1 (SD). The QoV scores for symptom frequency, severity, and bothersome were 34.63 ± 13.69, 29.60 ± 12.38, and 24.56 ± 16.00, respectively. Patients with a preoperative binocular corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of 20/12.5 or better, patients who lost 1 or more lines of UDVA as compared with preoperative CDVA, patients older than the age of 40, and patients with inadvertent anisometropia more than 0.375 diopters reported worse QoV scores.

CONCLUSION

The relationship between objective clinical parameters and patient-reported subjective QoV after SMILE seems complex. Defined prognostic factors that convey a higher risk for experiencing visual disturbances were identifiable and should be discussed with patients seeking SMILE treatment during preoperative counseling.

Post-small incision lenticule extraction phacoemulsification with multifocal IOL implantation: A case report

A 54-year-old patient presented with cataract, 5 years after undergoing SMILE for high myopia in both eyes. He was motivated in achieving spectacle free vision and his post SMILE-induced aberrations were minimal, due to which he was found suitable for a trifocal IOL implant. Of the various methods considered, the IOL power predicted by a novel combined telecentric keratometry and swept source OCT-based method was finally selected. One month post-operatively, the patient achieved a binocular UDVA of 20/20p and near vision of N.6, suggesting that newer IOL formulae could be superior in providing satisfactory outcomes in post refractive patients.