Applications of SMILE-extracted lenticules in ophthalmology

AIM:To review recent innovations,challenges,and applications of small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)extracted lenticule for treating ocular disorders.METHODS:A literature review was performed in the PubMed database,which was last updated on 30 December 2021.There was no limit regarding language.The authors evaluated the reference lists of the collected papers to find any relevant research.RESULTS:Due to the simplicity and accuracy of modern femtosecond lasers and the extensive development of SMILE surgery,many healthy human corneal stromal lenticules were extracted during surgery,motivating some professionals to investigate the SMILE lenticule reusability in different ocular disorders.In addition,new approaches had been developed to preserve,modify,and bioengineer the corneal stroma,leading to the optimal use of discarded byproducts such as lenticules from SMILE surgery.The lenticules can be effectively re-implanted into the autologous or allogenic corneas of human subjects to treat refractive errors,corneal ectasia,and corneal perforation and serve as a patch graft for glaucoma drainage devices with better cosmetic outcomes.CONCLUSION:SMILE-extracted lenticules could be a viable alternative to human donor corneal tissue.

Changes in posterior corneal elevation after small incision lenticule extraction for different myopic diopters

●AIM:To study the changes and effect factors of posterior corneal surface after small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)with different myopic diopters.●METHODS:Ninety eyes of 90 patients who underwent SMILE were included in this retrospective study.Patients were allocated into three groups based on the preoperative spherical equivalent(SE):low myopia(SE≥-3.00 D),moderate myopia(-3.00 D>SE>-6.00 D)and high myopia(SE≤-6.00 D).Posterior corneal surfaces were measured by a Scheimpflug camera preoperatively and different postoperative times(1wk,1,3,6mo,and 1y).Posterior mean elevation(PME)at 25 predetermined points of 3 concentric circles(2-,4-,and 6-mm diameter)above the best fit sphere was analyzed.●RESULTS:All surgeries were completed uneventfully and no ectasia was found through the observation.The difference of myopia group was significant at the 2-mm ring at 1 and 3mo postoperatively(1mo:P=0.017;3mo:P=0.018).The effect of time onΔPME was statistically significant(2-mm ring:P=0.001;4-mm ring:P<0.001;6-mm ring:P<0.001).The effect of different corneal locations onΔPME was significant except 1wk postoperatively(1mo:P=0.000;3mo:P=0.000;6mo:P=0.001;1y:P=0.001).Posterior corneal stability was linearly correlated with SE,central corneal thickness,ablation depth,residual bed thickness,percent ablation depth and percent stromal bed thickness.●CONCLUSION:The posterior corneal surface changes dynamically after SMILE.No protrusion is observed on the posterior corneal surface in patients with different degrees of myopia within one year after surgery.SMILE has good stability,accuracy,safety and predictability.

Stromal lenticule addition keratoplasty with corneal crosslinking for corneal ectasia secondary to FS-LASIK:a case series

●AIM:To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of stromal lenticule addition keratoplasty(SLAK)with corneal crosslinking(CXL)on patients with corneal ectasia secondary to femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis(FS-LASIK).●METHODS:A series of 5 patients undertaking SLAK with CXL for the treatment of corneal ectasia secondary to FS-LASIK were followed for 4-9mo.The lenticules were collected from patients undertaking small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)for the correction of myopia.Adding a stromal lenticule was aimed at improving the corneal thickness for the safe application of crosslinking and compensating for the thin cornea to improve its mechanical strength.●RESULTS:All surgeries were conducted successfully with no significant complications.Their best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)ranged from 0.05 to 0.8-2 before surgery.The pre-operational total corneal thickness ranged from 345-404μm and maximum keratometry(Kmax)ranged from 50.8 to 86.3.After the combination surgery,both the corneal keratometry(range 55.9 to 92.8)and total corneal thickness(range 413-482μm)significantly increased.Four out of 5 patients had improvement of corneal biomechanical parameters(reflected by stiffness parameter A1 in Corvis ST).However,3 patients showed decreased BCVA after surgery due to the development of irregular astigmatism and transient haze.Despite the onset of corneal edema right after SLAK,the corneal topography and thickness generally stabilized after 3mo.●CONCLUSION:SLAK with CXL is a potentially beneficial and safe therapy for advanced corneal ectasia.Future work needs to address the poor predictability of corneal refractometry and compare the outcomes of different surgical modes.

Ten-year observation of corneal densitometry and associated factors following small incision lenticule extraction

●AIM:To investigate the long-term changes of corneal densitometry(CD)and its contributing elements after small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE).●METHODS:Totally 31 eyes of 31 patients with mean spherical equivalent of-6.46±1.50 D and mean age 28.23±7.38y were enrolled.Full-scale examinations were conducted on all patients preoperatively and during followup.Visual acuity,manifest refraction,axial length,corneal thickness,corneal higher-order aberrations,and CD were evaluated.●RESULTS:All surgeries were completed successfully without complications or adverse events.Ten-year safety index was 1.17±0.20 and efficacy 1.04±0.28.CD value of 0–6 mm zones in central layer was statistically significantly lower 10y postoperatively,compared with preoperative values(0–2 mmΔ=-1.62,2–6 mmΔ=-1.24,P<0.01).There were no correlations between CD values and factors evaluated.●CONCLUSION:SMILE is a safe and efficient procedure for myopia on a long-term basis.CD values get lower 10y postoperatively,whose mechanism is to be further discussed.

Covering corneal stromal lenticule for macular hole in pathological myopia

AIM:To evaluate the clinical effect of a new surgery technique(covering corneal stromal lenticule,CSL)for macular hole(MH)in pathological myopia.METHODS:This was a prospective non-randomized series case study.Fourteen eyes of 14 patients whose axial length were more than 29 mm and suffered from MH and macular hole retinal detachment(MHRD)were included in this study.All cases were treated with 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)with internal limiting membrane(ILM)peeling,covering CSL and C_(3)F_(8) gas tamponade.These cases were followed for 6mo,and the best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),healing status of MH,the reattached rate of retinal detachment(RD),and reoperation rate were analyzed.RESULTS:All cases were successfully performed the surgery and the postoperative follow-up was completed.After surgery,MHs were healed in all 14 eyes(100%,14/14)after assessed by optical coherence tomography.The reattachment of retina was achieved in all 6 eyes(100%,6/6)with MHRD.BCVA was improved in 12 eyes(85.71%,12/14),and had no significant change in 2 eyes(14.29%,2/14).The overall mean BCVA was improved from 1.80±0.77 to 0.82±0.46 logMAR(F=10.46,P<0.01).No serious complications occurred in all cases.CONCLUSION:The new surgery technique(covering CSL)has high reattached rate of RD and high healing rate of MH in pathological myopia in the preliminary study.And it can effectively improve the visual function of patients.This new technique offers meaningful new ideas for treating refractory MH in pathological myopia.

Postoperative efficacy,safety,predictability,and visual quality of implantable collamer lens implantation versus small incision lenticule extraction in myopic eyes:a Meta-analysis

AIM:To compare the postoperative efficacy,safety,predictability,and visual quality of implantable collamer lens(ICL)implantation versus small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)in myopia eyes.METHODS:Pub Med,EMBASE,Web of Science,Cochrane Library and several Chinese databases were searched at May 2021 to select relevant studies in comparison of clinical outcomes between ICL implantation and SMILE for myopia.The primary outcomes were efficacy,safety,and predictability.And the secondary outcomes were postoperative higher-order ocular aberrations(HOAs),modulation transfer function cutoff frequency(MTF),objective scatter index(OSI),contrast sensitivity and a quality of vision(Qo V)questionnaire.RESULTS:A total of 1036 eyes from 10 studies,of which 503 eyes underwent ICL implantation and 533 eyes underwent SMILE,were enrolled in this Meta-analysis.Pooled results revealed that ICL group had a better safety index and post-corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA)(P=0.007,<0.00001,respectively),and a lower percentage of eyes with a postoperative CDVA lost 1 line(P=0.007)than the SMILE group.No significant differences were found in comparison of the other primary outcomes.In the longterm follow-up(>6mo),ICL group had a lower total HOA,coma,and spherical aberration than SMILE group(P=0.003,<0.00001,0.04).Yet higher trefoil was found in ICL group at 6mo after surgery(P=0.003).Additionally,ICL group also had a higher MTF value(P=0.02),and a higher contrast sensitivity score for spatial frequencies of 1.5,6,and 12 cpds(P=0.02,0.005,0.02,respectively).And it also had a lower score of bothersome in Qo V questionnaire than SMILE group(P=0.003).CONCLUSION:ICL implantation and SMILE have similar and comparable outcomes in term of the efficacy and predictability for correcting high myopia.However,ICL group is relatively safer and also has better visual quality in comparison of SMILE group.

Comparative study of functional optical zone:small incision lenticule extraction versus femtosecond laser assisted excimer laser keratomileusis

AIM:To investigate the size of functional optical zone(FOZ)after small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)versus femtosecond laser assisted excimer laser keratomileusis(FS-LASIK)for myopia correction and potential associated factors for FOZ.METHODS:A total of 133 patients who received corneal refractive surgery in our hospital between November 2018 and July 2021 were retrospectively enrolled.There were 63 patients(123 eyes)in SMILE group and 70patients(139 eyes)in FS-LASIK group.The size of FOZ was measured using Pentacam 3-dementional anterior segment analyzer before and 3mo after surgery,so as to analyze postoperative achieved functional optical zone(AFOZ)and its contributing parameters.RESULTS:When planned functional optical zone(PFOZ)was 6.5 mm for both groups,AFOZ was 1.45±0.27 and 1.67±0.25 mm smaller than preoperative FOZ in SMILE group and FS-LASIK group 3mo after surgery.AFOZ in SMILE group was significantly larger than that in FS-LASIK group(P<0.001).Variation of FOZ was negatively correlated with preoperative spherical equivalent(SE)and positively correlated with variation of mean keratometry value(△Km),variation of spherical aberration(△SA),and variation of Q-value(△Q,all P<0.001)in both groups.Multiple variable linear regression equations were△FOZ=1.354-0.1×pre-SE+0.336×△Q+1.462×△SA in SMILE group and△FOZ=1.512+0.137×△Q+0.468×△SA in FS-LASIK group.CONCLUSION:AFOZ is significantly smaller than preoperative FOZ in both SMILE and FS-LASIK groups.With the same PFOZ,larger AFOZ is achieved in SMILE group than in FS-LASIK group.

Small incision lenticule extraction and femtosecond-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis in patients with deep corneal opacity:case series

AIM:To report the safety,efficacy,and accuracy of small-incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)or femtosecondassisted laser in situ keratomileusis(FS-LASIK)for the correction of myopia or myopic astigmatism in patients with deep corneal opacity denoted by anterior segment optical coherence tomography(AS-OCT).METHODS:Four patients with monocular corneal opacity(3 due to mechanical injury,1 due to a firecracker wound)were recruited and treated with refractive surgery(3 for SMILE,1 for FS-LASIK combined with limbal relaxing incision(LRI).Preoperative ocular manifestations,surgical details,postoperative visual outcomes,corneal opacity parameters,and corneal topography were analyzed.RESULTS:Preoperatively,spherical diopter ranged from-3.0 D to-4.75 D with cylinder ranging from-0.75 to-5.0 D,and corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA)ranging from 20/25 to 20/20.One eye’s corneal opacity was located in the central zone and three were in the mid-peripheral optical zone.Three patients underwent uneventful SMILE in both eyes,whilst one patient underwent FS-LASIK for high astigmatism in both eyes and LRI in the right eye.CDVA of the eye with corneal opacity ranged from 20/22to 20/20 one to six weeks postoperatively.Two patients achieved better CDVA and no patients lost Snellen lines.The postoperative diopter was within±0.75 D for all eyes.Significant edema existed above the corneal opacity in one eye and dissipated soon.No eccentric corneal topography or morphological anomaly of the corneal cap or flap was observed.CONCLUSION:The cases demonstrate that SMILE or FS-LASIK is safe and effective to treat myopic astigmatism combined with deep corneal opacity lesions after comprehensive preoperative evaluation and appropriate candidate selection.FS-LASIK combined with LRI is also sufficient for correcting high astigmatism due to corneal scarring.

A 3-month comparison study of subjective and objective visual quality of small incision lenticule extraction and transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy in patients with low and moderate myopia

AIM:To compare the subjective and objective visual quality between small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)and transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy(t PRK)in patients with low and moderate myopia.METHODS:Patients undertaking SMILE or t PRK for the correction of low and moderate myopia were consecutively recruited in this prospective cohort study with a 3-month follow-up period.Objective evaluation[visual acuity test,manifest refraction,wavefront aberrations,the total cut-off value of the total modulation transfer function(MTFcut-off),and Strehl ratio(SR)]and subjective evaluation of visual quality(quality-of-life questionnaire)were conducted before surgery and at days 1,7,30,and 90 after surgery.RESULTS:A total of 47 patients(94 eyes)with SMILE and 22 patients(22 eyes)with t PRK were enrolled.The uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA)was better in SMILE patients on day 7 after surgery(1.13±0.13 vs 0.99±0.17,t=4.85,P<0.001)but was comparable at days 30 and 90.At day 90,the SMILE group had a lower spherical equivalent(SE)than the t PRK group(0.04±0.31 vs 0.19±0.43,t=2.08,P=0.042).Total higher order aberrations(HOAs)were induced in both surgical types,which were more evident in the t PRK group with 3-mm pupil diameter(0.16±0.07 vs0.11±0.05,t=4.27,P<0.001)and 5-mm pupil diameter(0.39±0.17 vs 0.36±0.11,t=2.33,P=0.022).The MTFcut-offand SR showed a trend of improvement in both SMILE and t PRK patients but were statistically better in the SMILE group with both pupil diameters.There was a significant improvement of contrast sensitivity(CS)over baseline levels at the spatial frequency of 18 cycles/degree(c/d)in the SMILE group(F=2.72,P=0.033)and at 3 c/d(F=3.03,P=0.031),12 c/d(F=3.72,P=0.013),and 18 c/d(F=4.62,P=0.004)in the t PRK group.The subjective quality of life questionnaire showed a steady improvement in the SMILE group(F=8.31,P<0.001)but not the t PRK group.CONCLUSION:SMILE and t PRK are both safe and effective ways to correct low and moderate myopia.A generally better and quicker recovery of visual quality favors the application of SMILE in qualified patients.

Effectiveness and the nomogram of small incision lenticule extraction in the correction of myopic anisometropia in adults

AIM:To evaluate the safety,effectiveness,and predictability of small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)for the treatment of anisometropia,and to explore the personalized design scheme of SMILE in correcting adult myopia anisometropia based on the nomogram.METHODS:It’s a prospective cohort study.Patients with anisometropic myopia of refractive difference≥2.0 diopters(D)who underwent SMILE between September 2020 and March 2021 were enrolled.Clinical features and visual function were assessed preoperatively and at 1wk,1,3,and 6mo after the operation.The examination included tests for uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA),corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA),refractive errors,effectiveness index(preoperative CDVA/postoperative UDVA),safety index(postoperative CDVA/preoperative CDVA),nomogram and stereoscopic function.Paired t-test,Wilcoxon signed-rank test and repeated-measures analyses of variance were used for continuous variables,and Pearson Chi-squared test was used for categorical variables.RESULTS:The study involved 45 consecutive patients(average age:25.0±6.9y;82 out of 90 eyes underwent SMILE,while 8 eyes were not operated).The average preoperative spherical equivalent(SE)was-4.74±0.22 D.Six months after surgery,the effectiveness index was 1.05±0.12,and the safety index was 1.09±0.11.Seventy eyes(85.4%)exhibited SE correction error within±0.5 D.The percentage of eyes with Titmus stereoscopic function equal to or less than 200”significantly increased from 55.6%preoperatively to 88.9%postoperatively(P<0.05).There was statistically significant difference between higher myopia eyes and contralateral eyes in average nomogram value/spherical refraction ratio.CONCLUSION:SMILE is safe,effective and predictable in correcting myopic anisometropia,and it improves stereoscopic visual function of anisometropia patients.The precise and individualized design of the nomogram is a vital element to ensure the balance of both eyes after SMILE.

Ultrastructural and Immunohistochemical Characteristics of Corneal Lenticule Extracted during Correction of Residual Myopia in the Long-Term Period after SMILE

Purpose: To evaluate ultrastructural characteristics of lenticule surface extracted during correction of residual myopia in patients after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Methods and material: This study had a prospective, consecutive, comparative design. Sixteen patients (16 eyes) underwent additional intervention for residual myopia correction after SMILE. 16 specimens of removed lenticules underwent morphological examination. Markers and reagents were used to determine actin microfilaments, neutral fats and cell nuclei. The tissue was analyzed in layers in 2D slices form, volumetric Z-stacks, or selected areas were formed in orthogonal projections. The surface of the extracted lenticule was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Patients’ refractive outcomes were measured postoperatively (1 day;1 and 3 months). Results: Postoperatively uncorrected distance visual acuity (20/20 or better) was in 100% cases 3 months after surgery. Ultrastructural studies have shown the difference in surfaces of the newly formed lenticule. Structural changes of the posterior lenticule surface were characterized by ruptures of collagen fibers on its surface, degenerative changes in keratocytes with signs of colliquation necrosis, cell apoptosis and F-actin in cell cytoplasm. Conclusion: Collagen fibers are immersed in the stroma on the anterior surface of the lenticule. There is no complete structure restoration of collagen fibers explaining the lack of tight adhesion of anterior and posterior surfaces of the intrastromal space even in the long-term postoperative period. There are no degenerative changes of keratocytes on the anterior lenticule surface, that is, their changes in SMILE are reversible in most cases.

Prediction of SMILE surgical cutting formula based on back propagation neural network

AIM:To predict cutting formula of small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)surgery and assist clinicians in identifying candidates by deep learning of back propagation(BP)neural network.METHODS:A prediction program was developed by a BP neural network.There were 13188 pieces of data selected as training validation.Another 840 eye samples from 425 patients were recruited for reverse verification of training results.Precision of prediction by BP neural network and lenticule thickness error between machine learning and the actual lenticule thickness in the patient data were measured.RESULTS:After training 2313 epochs,the predictive SMILE cutting formula BP neural network models performed best.The values of mean squared error and gradient are 0.248 and 4.23,respectively.The scatterplot with linear regression analysis showed that the regression coefficient in all samples is 0.99994.The final error accuracy of the BP neural network is-0.003791±0.4221102μm.CONCLUSION:With the help of the BP neural network,the program can calculate the lenticule thickness and residual stromal thickness of SMILE surgery accurately.Combined with corneal parameters and refraction of patients,the program can intelligently and conveniently integrate medical information to identify candidates for SMILE surgery.

Treatment of corneal dermoid with lenticules from small incision lenticule extraction surgery:a surgery assisted by fibrin glue

AIM:To observe the clinical efficacy of the combined use of small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)-derived lenticule patches in corneal dermoid excision,with fixation of the lenticule patches assisted by fibrin glue.METHODS:Seventeen eyes of 17 patients with corneal dermoid were treated with dermoid removal combined with SMILE-derived lenticule transplantation.All lenticule patches were fixed by fibrin glue.Ocular changes were assessed using slit lamp microscopy and anterior-segmental optical coherence tomography.The best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and ocular dioptric variations were examined preoperatively and postoperatively.Intraocular pressure(IOP)was also monitored in all visited time.RESULTS:Totally,18 lenticule patches were used on 17 eyes of 17 cornea dermoid patients.The mean follow-up time was 11.47±5.28mo.All lenticule patches we resuccessfullyg lued,kept on its location and maintained transparent during the follow-up time,with a consecutive epithelial cover for 1wk.Nine of the patients could coordinate visual and optometry exam well.Their preoperative BCVA is 0.60±0.35 in decimal,significantly improved to 0.80±0.26 in decimal at 6mo postoperatively(Z=-2.392,P=0.017),but the changes of their corneal astigmatism diopters showed no significance,with 2.22±1.91 D preoperatively,and 2.28±1.31 D at 6mo postoperatively(Z=-0.135,P=0.893).Limbal pannus formation occurred in 4(23.52%)cases and decreased with the application of tacrolimus eyedrops.IOP increased in 2(11.76%)cases,but well decreased by timolol maleate eyedrops.All the adult patients or guardians of minor patients were satisfied with the cosmetic improvement.CONCLUSION:Dermoid excision combined with transplantation of SMILE-derived lenticule patches using fibrin glue is a safe and effective novel tectonic keratoplasty procedure for corneal dermoid.

Three-year results of small incision lenticule extraction and wavefront-guided femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis for correction of high myopia and myopic astigmatism

AIM： To compare and calculate the 3-year refractive results, higher-order aberrations （HOAs）, contrast sensitivity （CS） and dry eye parameters after small incision lenticule extraction （SMILE） and wavefront-guided femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis （FS-LASIK） for correction of high myopia and myopic astigmatism. METHODS： In this prospective, non-randomized comparative study, 78 eyes with spherical equivalent （SE） of -8.11±1.09 diopters （D） received a SMILE surgery, and 65 eyes with SE of -8.05±1.12 D received a wavefront-guided FS-LASIK surgery with the VisuMax femtosecond laser （Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany） for flap cutting. Visual acuity, manifest refraction, CS, HOAs, ocular surface disease index （OSDI） and tear break-up time （TBUT） were evaluated during a 3-year follow-up. RESULTS： The difference of uncorrected distance visual acuity （UDVA） postoperatively was achieved at lmo and at 3mo, whereas the difference of the mean UDVA between two groups at 3y were not statistically significant （t=-1.59, P=-0.13）. The postoperative change of SE was 0.89 D in the FS-LASIK group （t=5.76, P=0.00）, and 0.14 D in the SMILE group （t=-0.54, P=0.59） from lmo to 3y after surgery. At 3-year postoperatively, both HOAs and spherical aberrations in the SMILE group were obviously less than those in the FS-LASIK group （P=0.00）, but the coma root mean square （RMS） was higher in the SMILE group （0.59±0.26） than in the FS-LASIK group （0.29±0.14, P=0.00）. The mesopic CS values between two groups were not statistically significant at 3y postoperatively. Compared with the FS-LASIK group, lower OSDI scores and longer TBUT values were found in the SMILE group at Imo and 3mo postoperatively. With regard to safety, no eye lost any line of CDVA in both groups at 3y after surgery. CONCLUSION： Both SMILE and wavefront-guided FS- LASIK procedures provide good visual outcomes. Both procedures are effective and safe, but SMILE surgery achieve more stable long-term refractive outcome and better control of early postoperative dry eye as compared to FS-LASIK.

SMILE intraoperative complications: incidence and management

AIM: To report the intraoperative complications associated with small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE) and their management. METHODS: This was a retrospective consecutive interventional clinical study, carried out on patients with myopia and myopic astigmatism, who underwent SMILE procedure. Type of intraoperative complications and their management were recorded. RESULTS: Our study comprised 282 eyes of 141 patients who were enrolled for SMILE surgeries. The intraoperative complications included lost vacuum(18 eyes, 6.38%), treatment decentration(6 eyes, 2.12%), wound bleeding(21 eyes, 7.45%), incomplete bubble separation(black islands)(3 eyes, 1.06%), the epithelial defects(15 eyes, 5.32%). Incision tear(27 eyes, 9.57%), lenticule adherence to the cap(6 eyes, 2.12%), and cap perforation occurred in 2 eyes(0.7%). CONCLUSION: Although SMILE is a promising technique for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism with predictable, efficient, safe refractive and visual outcomes, complications can occur. However, most of them are related to inexperience and are included in the learning curve of the technique. More studies with a bigger number of eyes are required to efficiently evaluate the intraoperative complications and standardize their management strategies.

Comparison of correcting myopia and astigmatism with SMILE or FS-LASIK and postoperative higher-order aberrations

AIM:To compare the effect of myopia and astigmatism correction and postoperative change in higher-order aberration as results of receiving small-incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)and femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis(FS-LASIK).METHODS:A prospective and non-randomized controlled study was conducted.The subjects are divided into two groups according to different operations received:229 eyes of 116 patients in the SMILE group and 168 eyes of 86 patients in the FS-LASIK group.All subjects were followed up for 3 mo by monitoring their uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA),best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),spherical equivalent,higher-order aberrations,and the preoperative and postoperative complications.RESULTS:At 1 wk,1,and 3 mo post-surgery,224 eyes(97.8%),227 eyes(99.1%)and 229 eyes(100%)had UCVA≥20/20 in the SMILE group,while 165 eyes(98.2%),167 eyes(99.4%)and 167 eyes(99.4%)had UCVA≥20/20 in the FS-LASIK group,respectively(χ^(2)=0.146,2.135,and 1.124;all P>0.05).BCVA reduction was not observed in both groups at 1 and 3 mo of post-surgery(χ^(2)=0.734 and 1.898,P>0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the spherical equivalent between the two groups at 1 and 3 mo post-surgery,though the percentage of the spherical equivalent within±0.50 D at 3 mo postsurgery was 98%in the SMILE group,which was higherthan that of the FS-LASIK group(92%,χ^(2)=1.872,P>0.05).The root mean square(RMS)values of total high-order aberration,coma,and spherical aberration of the two groups increased significantly in the early postoperative period and decreased after 3 mo,but the values were still higher than the preoperative levels(P<0.05);there was no significant difference between the two groups in the RMS values of total higher-order aberrations and specific higherorder aberrations(P>0.05).The incidence of complications in the SMILE group was lower than that in the FS-LASIK group(χ^(2)=14.52,P<0.05).CONCLUSION:SMILE and FS-LASIK can effectively treat myopia,significantly improve visual acuity,and increase the total high-order aberration,spherical aberration,and coma.The incidence of complications after SMILE is relatively low.

Corneal neuromediator profiles following laser refractive surgery

Laser refractive surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures worldwide.In laser refractive surgery,Femtosecond Laser in Situ Keratomileusis and Refractive Lenticule Extraction have emerged as promising alternatives to microkeratome Laser in Situ Keratomileusis and Photorefractive Keratectomy.Following laser refractive surgery,the corneal nerves,epithelial and stromal cells release neuromediators,including neurotrophins,neuropeptides and neurotransmitters.Notably,nerve growth factor,substance P,calcitonin gene-related peptide and various cytokines are important mediators of neurogenic inflammation and corneal nerve regeneration.Alterations in neuromediator profiles and ocular surface parameters following laser refractive surgery are attributed to the surgical techniques and the severity of tissue insult induced.In this review,we will discuss the(1)Functions of neuromediators and their physiological and clinical significance;(2)Changes in the neuromediators following various laser refractive surgeries;(3)Correlation between neuromediators,ocular surface health and corneal nerve status;and(4)Future directions,including the use of neuromediators as potential biomarkers for ocular surface health following laser refractive surgery,and as adjuncts to aid in corneal regeneration after laser refractive surgery.

Dry eye and corneal sensitivity after small incision lenticule extraction and femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis:a Meta-analysis

AIM：To assess the corneal sensitivity and the incidences of dry eye after small incision lenticule extraction（SMILE） and femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis（FSLASIK）.METHODS：The Meta-analysis was performed using Rev Man 5.3.We searched on Pub Med from inception to March 2016.Summary weighted mean difference（WMD） and 95% confidence intervals（CIs） were used to analyze the datum.Random-effects or fixed-effects models were chosen up to between-study heterogeneity.The main outcomes were composed of the Ocular Surface Disease Index（OSDI） scores,tear film break-up time（TBUT）,Schirmer Test and corneal sensitivity.RESULTS：Eight eligible studies including 772 eyes（386 in SMILE group and 386 in FS-LASIK group） were identified.The parameters have no significiant difference heterogeneity between SMILE and FS-LASIK group preoperatively.There were significant differences between the two groups in OSDI scores at one and three months postoperatively,in TBUT at one and three months postoperatively,in corneal sensitivity at one week,about one month and three months postoperatively.However,there was no significant difference observed in Schirmer Test at the follow-up periods.CONCLUSION：Compare to FS-LASIK,dry eye and the corneal sensitivity recover better in the SMILE group,in first three months after the surgery.

Corneal re-innervation following refractive surgery treatments

Laser refractive surgery is one of the most performed surgical procedures in the world. Although regarded safe and efficient, it has side effects. All of the laser based refractive surgical procedures invoke corneal nerve injury to some degree. The impact of this denervation can range from mild discomfort to neurotrophic corneas. Currently, three techniques are widely used for laser vision correction: small incision lenticule extraction, laser-assisted keratomileusis in situ and photorefractive keratotomy. Each of these techniques affects corneal innervation differently and has a different pattern of nerve regeneration. The purpose of this review is to summarize the different underlying mechanisms for corneal nerve injury and compare the different patterns of corneal reinnervation.

Small-incision lenticule extraction versus femtosecond lenticule extraction for myopic:a systematic review and Meta-analysis

AIM： To examine differences in efficacy, accuracy, safety, aberrations and corneal biomechanical between Small incision lenticule extraction （SMILE） and femtosecond lenticule extraction （FLEx） for myopia. METHODS： Comprehensive studies were conducted on the PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register before 31 July, 2015. Meta-analyses were performed on the primary outcomes [loss of ≥2 lines of corrected distance visual acuity （CDVA）, uncorrected distance visual acuity （UDVA） ≥20/20, spherical equivalent （SE） within ±0.50 diopters （D）, final refractive SE], secondary outcomes were high-order aberrations （HOAs） and corneal biomechanical [central corneal thickness （CCT）, corneal hysteresis （CH） and corneal resistance factor （CRF）]. RESULTS： Seven trials describing a total of 320 eyes with myopia were included in this Meta-analysis. No significant differences were found in the efficacy [UDVA weighted mean difference （WMD） -0.01; 95%CI： -0.04 to 0.01; P=0.37, UDVA ≥20/20, OR 1.49; 95%CI： 0.78 to 2.86; P=0.23], accuracy （SE WMD -0.03; 95%CI： -0.12 to 0.07; P=0.58 , SE within ±0.5 D OR 1.25; 95%CI： 0.34 to 4.65; P=0.74）, HOAs （WMD -0.04; 95%CI： -0.09 to 0.01; P=0.14） and CCT WMD 1.83; 95%CI： -7.07 to 10.72; P=0.69, CH WMD -0.01; 95%CI： -0.42 to 0.40; P=0.97, CRF WMD 0.17; 95%CI： -0.33 to 0.67; P=0.50） in the last fellow-up. But for safety, FLEx may achieve fewer CDVA lost two or more two lines （OR 11.11; 95%CI： 1.27 to 96.86; P=0.03） than SMILE, however CDVA （WMD 0.00; 95%CI： -0.03 to 0.02; P=0.77） is similar. CONCLUSION： SMILE and FLEx are comparable in terms of both efficacy, accuracy, aberrations and corneal biomechanical measures in the follow-up,but FLEx seems to be better in safety measures. The results should be interpreted cautiously since relevant evidence is still limited, although it is accumulating. Further large-scale, well-designed randomized controlled trials are urgently needed.