Posters

Evaluation of three different cap thickness outcomes one year after refractive lenticule extraction ReLEx SMILE compared to femto-LASIK

Poster Details

First Author: E. Taylor GERMANY

Co Author(s):    D. Breyer   H. Kaymak   K. Klabe   P. Hagen   F. Kretz   G. Auffarth     

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE, VisuMax, Carl Zeiss Meditec) treatment represents an alternative technique to treat myopic & astigmatic patients. Former studies showed comparable visual recovery as well as visual and aberrometric results compared to the Femto-LASIK technique. This study addresses the question, whether a residual cap of 140µm and 150µm produces visual outcomes as predictable, safe and effective as 130µm caps and 100µm flaps in case of Femto-LASIK.

Setting:

All ReLEx smile (VisuMax, CZM) treatments and follow-ups were performed at the Breyer-Kaymak-Klabe Eyesurgery in Duesseldorf, Germany, which is part of the International Vision Correcton Research Center (IVCRC.net).

Methods:

Follow up was performed between 1 day and up to 12 months after treatment. For clinical evaluation, visual acuity at far, subjective refraction and wave front analysis (KR-1W, Topcon) were compared. Additionally patient questionnaires were evaluated for dry eye symptoms, comfort and recovery time.

Results:

Concerning safety and efficiency of each method we could not detect significant differences. All groups showed a remarkable mean monocular UDVA of <0.05 logMAR one year after treatment. Visual recovery in the SMILE groups was as fast as with the flap-based LASIK with only the 1-day values being better in case of Femto-LASIK. Less dry eyes as well as better patient comfort and less pain sensation were observed in the SMILE groups.

Conclusions:

Visual recovery, safety, effectiveness and predictability shows similar results in all 4 groups, while deficits in comfort were greater in the Femto-LASIK group. No dry eye sensations were observed in the SMILE group. The tissue removal in deeper corneal layers and a small incision of only 2-3mm may result in more stable corneas after SMILE surgery. Therefore we clearly favour the SMILE technique in any aspects compared to the traditional FLAP-based LASIK.

Financial Disclosure:

One or more of the authors receives consulting fees, retainer, or contract payments from a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented, One or more of the authors travel has been funded, fully or partially, by a competing company, One or more of the authors travel has been funded, fully or partially, by a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented, One or more of the authors receives consulting fees, retainer, or contract payments from a competing company