Abstract:AIM: To evaluate the safety and postoperative complications of femtosecond laser-assisted small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE).
METHODS: Retrospective case series. A total of 1127 patients(2 236 eyes)who were treated with SMILE for myopia or myopia astigmatism between June 2016 and May 2017 were enrolled in this study. Eyes that developed postoperative complications were noted and identified. The incidence, risk factors, management and prognosis were analyzed. The follow-up was 6mo.
RESULTS: The rate of postoperative complications was 8.05%, included diffuse lamellar keratitis(3.31%), delayed visual acuity(2.59%), minor interface residue(0.63%), and ghost images(1.52%). These complications had an impact on best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)at 3mo in only 1 eye with decentered ablation and was re-treated with topography-guided laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis(LASEK). Good visual outcomes were achieved in all eyes finally.
CONCLUSION: Although few eyes suffered postoperative complications, SMILE is an acceptable safe surgery. Careful surgical skill, appropriate surgical parameter, and rational postoperative medication can decrease the risk of complication.