SMILE keratorefractive surgery technique

Abstract

Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) keratorefractive surgery technique is a laser surgery alternative to common methods that doesn't require laser ablation of the cornea. Despite its novelty, SMILE technique has already demonstrated positive clinical results comparable to Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK), which led to its widespread application in clinical practice. Compared with other keratorefractive techniques, SMILE has a number of distinct advantage including high biomechanical stability of the cornea, low risk of dry eye syndrome, absence of a corneal flap and associated complications, preservation of corneal epithelium. The article describes the most common SMILE modifications, its weak points and possible complications, as well as methods of additional correction of remaining ametropy.