SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) among the corneal refractive surgeries in 2018

A Chiche; L Trinh; C Baudouin; A Denoyer

doi:10.1016/j.jfo.2018.05.001

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) among the corneal refractive surgeries in 2018

J Fr Ophtalmol. 2018 Jun;41(6):e245-e252. doi: 10.1016/j.jfo.2018.05.001. Epub 2018 Jun 15.

[Article in French]

Authors

A Chiche¹, L Trinh², C Baudouin³, A Denoyer⁴

Affiliations

¹ Ophthalmology Service 3, Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, 78000 Versailles, France.
² Ophthalmology Service 3, Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, 78000 Versailles, France; Espace Nouvelle Vision, 75012 Paris, France.
³ Ophthalmology Service 3, Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, 78000 Versailles, France; INSERM, U968, 75012 Paris, France; UMR S 968, Institut de la Vision, University UPMC Paris VI, 75012 Paris, France; CNRS, UMR 7210, 75012 Paris, France.
⁴ INSERM, U968, 75012 Paris, France; UMR S 968, Institut de la Vision, University UPMC Paris VI, 75012 Paris, France; CNRS, UMR 7210, 75012 Paris, France; University Hospital Robert-Debré, rue du Général-Koenig, 51100 Reims, France; URCA, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51100 Reims, France. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 29914764
DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2018.05.001

Abstract

Refractive surgery is a field in constant evolution. In recent years, a new procedure has appeared under the name SMILE (SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction). This technique, carried out solely with a femtosecond laser, should make it possible to better preserve corneal innervation and biomechanics. After a detailed review of the technique itself, we then focus on the scientific evidence for the safety and efficacy of SMILE and its current indications. Advantages of SMILE will be discussed in comparison to the conventional techniques, particularly concerning dry eye and the risk of corneal ectasia related to LASIK. Lastly, the current limitations of SMILE (indications, retreatment) are discussed, and future applications are considered regarding new improvements in the technique.

Keywords: Cornea; Corneal biomechanics; LASIK; Myopia; PRK; Refractive surgery; SMILE.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Corneal Diseases / surgery*
Corneal Stroma / surgery*
Humans
Refractive Errors / therapy
Refractive Surgical Procedures / methods*
Surgical Wound