Comparison of changes in corneal volume and corneal thickness after myopia correction between LASIK and SMILE

Session Details

Session Title: Refractive
Session Date/Time: Friday 09/02/2018 | 10:30-12:00
Paper Time: 11:57
Venue: Annex A

First Author: M.Shajari GERMANY
Co Author(s): C. Kolb  W. Mayer  G. Steinwender  E. Vounotrypidis  T. Kohnen  D. Kook  

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To compare alterations in corneal volume and corneal thickness between femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in eyes with myopia and myopic astigmatism.

Setting:

SMILE Eyes Eye Clinic Munich Airport, Germany.

Methods:

The study comprised 104 eyes of 52 patients undergoing 2 different treatments to correct myopia over 12 months. They were split into 2 groups according to the surgery they had undergone, 52 eyes with LASIK and 52 eyes with SMILE. Measurements were obtained from the Scheimpflug camera Pentacam preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. Main outcomes were alterations in partial corneal volume (3, 5, and 7mm diameter zones) and total corneal volume (10mm diameter region) as well as changes in pachymetry (apex and 2, 4, 6, and 8mm areas).

Results:

Three months postoperatively, the flapless SMILE procedure resulted in greater loss of corneal volume and corneal thickness compared to LASIK, performing equal refractive corrections. Differences between both groups were significant for alterations in volume of the 3, 5, and 7mm diameter areas as well as for changes in pachymetry of the central and 2, 4, and 6mm diameter zones (P < 0.01). No significant difference was found between 3 and 12month postoperative values in each group.

Conclusions:

Since alterations in corneal volume and corneal thickness are greater with SMILE than with LASIK, it is recommended to be cautious with the flapless technique in rather thin corneas.

Financial Disclosure:

None