Comparison of the efficiency of femtoLASIK and ReLEx SMILE in terms of dioptric error reduction

Abstract

Background and Aims. Refractive eye surgery is a rapidly expanding field of ophthalmology and corneal surgery is undergoing constant development leading to less invasive technologies. The goal of this study was to compare the most common femtoLASIK surgery with the newer ReLEx SMILE surgery which is gentler to the cornea. The comparison was made in terms of dioptric error reduction. Methods. The studied cohort of patients consisted of two major groups: 30 patients who underwent femtoLASIK surgery and 30 who underwent ReLEx SMILE surgery. -30 patients, 60 eyes. All patients were aged 18-45 years with moderate myopia or astigmatism ranging from -3.25 to -6.0 spherical diopters and from 0 to -1.0 cylindrical diopters. In all, the best corrected visual acuity measured prior to surgery was 1.0. Pachymetry was not comparable because each surgical method was performed at a different time point and the introduction of an innovative method into practice led to a change in selection criteria. Results. During postsurgical check-ups, the ReLEx SMILE method (0.74) led to lower values of non-corrected visual acuity compared to the femtoLASIK method (0.88), (P<0.001). However, the results changed at the one-year post-surgery check-up, when ReLEX SMILE patients achieved non-corrected visual acuity of 0.97 compared to femtoLASIK patients, who scored 0.83, (P=0.007). Based on data analysis from the automatic refractometer, the average spherical diopters of the femtoLASIK (-0.32 D) were higher than those of the ReLEx SMILE (-0.07 D), (P<0.001). The results for the cylindrical diopters were also significant, (P=0.021). When we compared the spherical equivalent one year after surgery, the difference between methods was significant. The FemtoLASIK method resulted in an average SE -0.55 D compared to -0.09 D for the ReLEx SMILE method, (P<0.001). Conclusion. This study showed that there was a significant difference in results between the two surgical methods of treatment of moderate myopia and astigmatism, in terms of regression of dioptric error, as well as in achievement and maintenance of visual acuity during the observed period. The ReLEx SMILE had better results.

Comparison of Vision Correction and Corneal Thickness at 180-Day Follow-Up After Femtosecond Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (FS-LASIK), Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), and Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE): A Study from a Single Center in Poland of 120 Patients with Myopia

“…Nevertheless, they showed that PRK and SMILE are effective methods of myopia correction, with a slight advantage for SMILE in terms of patient comfort [ 28 ]. Pavkova et al evaluated the efficacy of FS-LASIK and SMILE methods in myopia correction in a group of 60 patients (120 eyes) with moderate myopia or astigmatism (−3.25 to −6.0 spherical D and from 0 to −1.0 cylindrical D) at 1-year follow-up [ 29 ].…”

Comparison of surgical outcomes following femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK (Femto-LASIK) versus small incision lenticule extraction (SMIL) for myopia and astigmatism

“…This nding is in accordance with the previous reports. (33,35,41) The primary superiorities of the SMILE surgical technique over the corneal ap procedures are the small incision and slight epithelium ingrowth that can result in postoperative acceleration of corneal healing and reduction of eye discomfort, respectively. (39,42) In addition, the SMILE procedure minimizes the postoperative ap-related complications that is due to ap tearing, dislocation, or traumatic dissociation.…”

“…In addition, there is a lack of clarity due to limited studies comparing the surgical outcomes of a new SMILE procedure to a standard refractive procedure such as femto-LASIK. (31)(32)(33)(34) Therefore, the main aim of the present study is to compare the surgical outcomes of patients who underwent femto-LASIK and SMILE procedures.…”

Assessment of Changes in Cap and Residual Stromal Thickness Values during a 6-Month Observation after Refractive Lenticule Extraction Small Incision Lenticule Extraction

“…The ReLEx SMILE method is considered less invasive than FemtoLASIK in the treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism. It allows for maintaining a better innervation of the cornea and ensures better parameters of cornea biomechanics [9,10]. In 2016, the ReLEx SMILE procedure gained approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is currently available all over the world.…”