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Visual outcomes after Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (ReLEx® SMILE) for myopia and myopic astigmatism: first Benelux results

Session Details

Session Title: Refractive Femtosecond

Session Date/Time: Sunday 06/10/2013 | 17:00-18:30

Paper Time: 17:06

Venue: Elicium 2 (First Floor)

First Author: : F.Goes BELGIUM

Co Author(s): :                  

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To report the visual and refractive outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction (ReLEx® Smile) to correct myopia and myopic astigmatism using the Carl Zeiss 500 kHz VisuMax Femtosecond laser in the first 78 eyes of the Benelux

Setting:

Goes OogCentrum en Bels Lasercentrum, Antwerp, Belgium.

Methods:

Using the Zeiss 500 kHz Visumax Femtosecond laser for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism, a small stromal lenticule is created, dissected using an Chansue dissector, and extracted through a 3.5 mm sidecut using a 0.12 forceps. After the procedure, the pocket was rinsed and the lenticule was inspected for possible defects. Advantages compared to femtolasik are the lack of influence of room temperature, room humidity, and air current. The treatment also takes place in a closed environment which should improve accuracy. Outcome measures were corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), and manifest refraction during 3 months of follow-up. Pentacam topography was performed at each visit.

Results:

74 eyes were treated. The average age at surgery was 34 years. 52 % male and 48 % female patients. Pre SR equiv was -5.06 +/-1.79 D. Pre SR sph -4.73 +/- 1.79 D, pre SR cyl -0.66 +/- 0.60 D. At 3 weeks, post SR equiv was -0.02 +/- 0.55 D. Post SR sph 0.15 +/- 0.56 D, post SR cyl -0.33 +/- 0.34 D. No patients lost more than one line of BCVA. 9 % gained more than one line of BCVA. 85 % had a refractive outcome between +/- 0.5 D of attempted refraction, and 100 % between +/- 1.0 D of attempted refraction. 95 % had an UCVA of 0.8 or more. Retreatment rate was 0 %.

Conclusions:

The results of Relex Smile for myopia and myopic astigmatism, a flapless and minimally invasive technique using only an femtosecond laser without need for an excimer laser, are excellent, and comparable to the highest standard of modern Femtolasik techniques. Larger studies are ongoing.

Financial Interest:

NONE