SMILE VERSUS FS-LASIK IN MYOPIC PATIENTS AND THE IMPACT IN UCVA AND TEAR FILM STABILITY

Haeder Benyaf H. Ali*

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to assess and compare the effects on uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and tear film stability of two refractive surgical techniques used in myopic patients: femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Two groups, the FS-LASIK group (200 patients) and the SMILE group (200 patients), were randomly assigned to comprise the 400 myopic patients treated at our facility. At various postoperative intervals, we compared the groups' UCVA, tear breakup time (BUT), Schirmer's test (Sit), and corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs). With no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05), the UCVA at preoperative, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively was comparable between the two groups. But at one and three months after surgery, the SMILE group outperformed the FS-LASIK group in terms of BUT, Sit values, and HOAs (P < 0.05). While both procedures were equally effective in terms of UCVA and visual function, SMILE showed superior overall maintenance of tear film stability and elimination of higher-order aberrations of the cornea.

Keywords: UCVA, HOAs, BUT.