Abstract
Purpose: To provide an overview of the currently available retreatment methods after myopic small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Design: Systematic literature review. Methods: The PubMed library was searched for articles containing the terms "small-incision lenticule extraction" and "enhancement" or "retreatment". The last search was performed on May 1, 2019. Results: In contrast to laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK), which can be retreated by a flap relift, repeat SMILE retreatment is currently not approved and only seldomly performed. As substitutes, surface ablation, cap-to-flap conversion using the CIRCLE program in the VisuMax platform, and thin-flap LASIK have been recently established. While all options offer safety and efficacy comparable to LASIK retreatments, each has its patient-specific advantages and disadvantages. While surface ablation preserves the flap-free approach of the primary procedure, the aspect of pain and a slow visual recovery might render it less attractive as compared with CIRCLE and thin-flap LASIK which offer quick recovery, however at the price of flap creation. Besides, each retreatment method generates specific tissue responses and has a different impact on corneal biomechanics, which is strongly dependent on the previous SMILE parameters, especially the cap thickness. Conclusions: Refractive enhancement after SMILE is currently mostly performed by surface ablation, CIRCLE cap-to-flap conversion or thin-flap LASIK, which all offer safety and efficacy comparable to LASIK retreatments. In this review, a detailed overview over each method, its technical aspects, and specific advantages and disadvantages is given.
| Item Type: | Journal article |
|---|---|
| Faculties: | Medicine |
| Subjects: | 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health |
| Language: | English |
| Item ID: | 79184 |
| Date Deposited: | 15. Dec 2021 14:47 |
| Last Modified: | 15. Dec 2021 14:47 |
Actions (login required)
- View Item
