Abstract:Lenticules are derivative biomaterials obtained from femtosecond laser small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE). Compared to other corneal tissues, they are readily available and exhibit biomechanical properties similar to donor corneas, and have been widely used in clinical treatments. Studies have confirmed that lenticules has a significant effect on various eye diseases such as presbyopia, hyperopia, advanced keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, corneal ulcer and perforation. For cases where immediate lenticule transplantation is unfeasible, establishing effective lenticule preservation systems is critically essential. The current mainstream preservation techniques include cryopreservation combined with media, medium preservation, decellularization preservation, nutritive capsule, and exsiccation, among others. To alleviate the shortage of corneal donors and expand their therapeutic applications in ocular diseases, this review comprehensively summarizes existing preservation technologies for corneal stromal lenticules and synthesizes recent advances in their clinical utilization.
