Refractive lenticule extraction (ReLEx) through a small incision (SMILE) for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism: current perspectives

Alper Ağca,1 Ahmet Demirok,2 Yusuf Yıldırım,1 Ali Demircan,1 Dilek Yaşa,1 Ceren Yeşilkaya,1 İrfan Perente,1 Muhittin Taşkapılı1 1Beyoğlu Eye Research and Training Hospital, 2Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey Abstract: Small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) is an alternative to laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. SMILE can be performed for the treatment of myopia ≤-12 D and astigmatism ≤5 D. The technology is currently only available in the VisuMax femtosecond laser platform. It offers several advantages over LASIK and PRK; however, hyperopia treatment, topography-guided treatment, and cyclotorsion control are not available in the current platform. The working principles, potential advantages, and disadvantages are discussed in this review. Keywords: SMILE, small-incision lenticule extraction, femtosecond laser, laser in situ keratomileusis, corneal biomechanic