SMALL INCISION LENTICULE EXTRACTION – SMILE

Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) is a new type of refractive surgery, which was approved by FDA only in 2016. The procedure is notable for its small incision size of 2-4mm, absence of flap creation as in LASIK and single laser platform being utilized during procedure. It has only been approved for the treatment of myopia from –1D to -8D and astigmatism up to 3D. The indications for surgery are similar to other refractive surgeries. The procedure consists of 3 steps, which are the following: docking, lenticule dissection and lenticule extraction. SMILE is not associated with many postoperative com­plications, with dry eyes being one of the common ones and at the same time accounting for very little percentage of cases. Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) is constantly compared to laser in situ keratomileusis (LA­SIK) as it provides surgeons and patients with similar good postoperative visual outcomes. SMILE is notable for corneal stromal nerves and general corneal integrity preservation. However, SMILE has its own shortcomings and, as an instance it cannot be used in hyperopia or mixed astigmatism.