Abstract:With the rapid advancement of refractive surgery, small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)has become a mainstream procedure due to its biomechanical advantage in preserving the integrity of the anterior elastic layer and epithelium. However,postoperative stromal tissue removal and stress redistribution may still compromise corneal biomechanical stability, potentially affecting long-term corneal stability and visual quality. This review focuses on the mechanisms underlying biomechanical changes after SMILE, summarizing recent findings on corneal thinning, reduced mechanical strength, and stress remodeling, and their impact on corneal morphology and visual quality. It further explores potential contributors to postoperative ectasia, increased higher-order aberrations(HOAs), and visual fluctuations, highlighting individual variability and current controversies in the literature. Moreover, current evidence on adjunctive strategies such as corneal cross-linking(CXL)in enhancing biomechanical strength, reducing complications, and improving optical quality was analyzed. Finally, optimal timing for CXL, threshold values of biomechanical metrics, and the role of individualized preoperative assessment and postoperative management was discussed, aiming to provide a theoretical and clinical basis for improving safety and visual outcomes following SMILE.
